Unplugged....

It's the fourth commandment....

"Remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy."    Exodus 20:8

A day of rest and worship...to be set apart from the other days....something different....a day to be refreshed again....a day to do no work....

But how can a modern-day family observe the Sabbath in a world of totally busyness and distractions?

How can they "meditate on God's Word" when the Internet is so readily available in the palm of their hand....just a click away from everything....and yet nothing of high importance....

How can they "be still and know God" when their phone/iPad beeps for their attention whenever someone posts a new status on Facebook or a sports team scores....

How can they "practice hospitality and build others up" when the stores have so many good sales going on this weekend....

A family can do it if they chose God over the world. 

But this choice and this life are a battle....a fight to follow God and His commands. 

The world and your enemy does NOT want you to win this fight. 

...he wants you busy....

...he wants you distracted...

...he wants you shopping for more and more earthly stuff...

...none of which will satisfy....

So, our family took a Sabbath "unplug" afternoon to try it out. All electronics (iPad, iTouch, Wii remotes, xBox controllers, TV remotes, cameras, Leadpad, Ninendo DS, etc) were put inside a plastic tub on Sunday afternoon from 12-6pm. Everyone was to first work on their weekly Bible lesson. Then everyone could listen to music, play outside, hang out with family, read books, play games, listen to the Twins on the radio or hang out with your pets, etc.

Without all the interruptions and distractions, the whole family seemed to get along better (less fights for attention) and one of the kids even mentioned at the dinner table "Everyone seems happier today". Not bad for the first attempt!  The interesting part was getting back into the week on Monday and noticing how often we used the things just the day before we weren't allowed it. Funny how this might creep into something more....

So why rest one day a week anyway? Why does God command us to do this?

First off....God did.

"On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work."  Genesis 2:2

Second....God blessed it.

"Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."  Genesis 2:3

Third....it sets you apart from the world and you will be refreshed.

"It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'"  Exodus 31:17

Fourth...it passes on your faith and shows the importance of the Sabbath to your kids.

"Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy." Exodus 31:13

Finally...you will strengthen your relationship with God and He will grant you great success.

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly.Then you will find joy in your relationship to the LORD, and I will give you great prosperity...."  Isaiah 58:13-14

So, are you up to the Sabbath Unplug challenge?

I encourage you and your families to give it a try....unplug and be refreshed!