The Sabbath

Another theme in addition to the Sacrament that was a common topic in this last general conference was the importance of the Sabbath Day.  Elder Cook spoke about it in depth as he discussed his experience celebrating the Sabbath with his Jewish friends.  Many others touched on its importance—here are some of the statements about the Sabbath that were made: 

·         “Another important doctrine that we should cling to is to observe the Sabbath day. This helps us remain unspotted from the world, provides us with physical rest, and gives each of us the spiritual refreshment of worshipping the Father and the Son every Sunday.  When we delight in the Sabbath day, it is a sign of our love for Them” (M. Russell Ballard, God is At the Helm).

·         “One returned missionary found himself stressed with a very heavy schedule. He was trying to find time for work, studies, family, and a Church calling. He asked the Lord for counsel: ‘How can I feel at peace with all that I need to do?’ The answer was not what he expected; he received the impression that he should more carefully observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He decided to dedicate Sunday to God’s service—to lay aside his school courses on that day and study the gospel instead. This small adjustment brought the peace and balance that he was seeking” (Larry R. Lawrence, What Lack I Yet).

·         “What might be one of the reasons why we, knowing all these things, often fail to keep the Sabbath day holy?  In the book of Isaiah, we can find an answer that, though related to the Sabbath, also applies to other commandments that we must keep: ‘Turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day’ (Isaiah 58:13).  The key words are ‘turn away … from doing thy pleasure,’ or in other words, doing God’s will” (Francisco J. Vinas, The Pleasing Word of God).

·         “For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness. The Sabbath can help separate us from that which is frivolous, inappropriate, or immoral. It allows us to be in the world but not of the world” (Quentin L. Cook, Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times).

·         “Our devoted weekly observance of the Sabbath is our sign to the Lord that we love Him” (Randall K. Bennett, Your Next Step).

·         “I am grateful for our leaders, who are constantly teaching us about Christ, about keeping the Sabbath day holy, and about partaking of the sacrament each Sunday in honor of the Savior” (Claudio R. M. Costa, That They Do Always Remember Him).

·         “If you receive a spiritual impression to honor the Sabbath day, especially when it seems difficult, God will send His Spirit to help” (Henry B. Eyring, The Holy Ghost as Your Companion).

·         “Recently, living prophets have counseled us to ‘remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy’ (Carole M. Stephens, If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments).

·         “Simple obedience brings the Spirit into our hearts. In our homes, we pray in faith, search the scriptures, and keep the Sabbath day holy” (Kim B. Clark, Eyes to See and Ears to Hear).

Given so many testimonies and teachings about the Sabbath, surely this is of paramount importance for us as we seek to find spiritual protection from the wickedness of the world.  Having “all these witnesses” if we fail to heed the prophetic counsel then the great blessings of the Lord promised for sanctifying the Sabbath will not be ours (Alma 30:45).  After all of this counsel from our leaders, we are now “left without excuse” and our “sins are upon [our] own heads” if we choose knowingly to disregard the Sabbath (D&C 88:82).