Thou shalt not work: Honoring the fourth commandment

Sabbath Eve
Painting by Alexander Johnston

In today's tough economic times, honoring the Sabbath seems more challenging than ever.  But taking a break from work is not just a good idea.  It's a commandment, one that was role-modeled by God.

From Genesis 2: Thus the heavens, and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.  By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.  Think about it: Would an all-powerful God really need that rest, or was this to instruct us that we in fact do?

Leonard Felder, Ph.D. defines the fourth commandment as "the struggle to unhook from your everyday pressures."  But that is only the half of it.  The more important component is what you're connecting with instead.  There's an AA motto which says, "Let go, and let God."  If we merely "let go," then we've only fulfilled the weaker part of the equation.  Leonard Felder defines "letting God" as connecting "with a joyful, sacred way of being alive."  This can occur while contacting that still small voice within.  

There are some who tend toward a very literal interpretation of the fourth commandment.  Others like Wayne Muller remind us that there are many ways to integrate Sabbath into our everyday lives.  We could put down the cell phone for a while, take a guilt-free nap, meditate during break time, and/or take a leisurely stroll.

As holidays subside and winter endures, it's tempting to long for summer activities.  Yet there are lessons to be learned from starkness and darkness.  Sabbath creates time and space for us to nurture the Light within the Silent Night.

Resources

https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/948/the-ten-challenges

https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/492591-sabbath-finding-rest-renewal-and-delight-in-our-busy-lives