As Christians we understand that the moral law of God is perpetually binding. This is God's will for his people. The fourth commandment is to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Many Christians forget that there is another part to keeping the Sabbath Day holy.
"Six days shall you labor and do all your work" is as much a part of the fourth commandment as spending the Lord's Day in private and public worship, acts of mercy, and works of necessity. As God's people, we are called to be a working people first and foremost. It is part of our duty as Christians.
A number of years ago there was a book by Colson and Eckard (Why America Doesn't Work) which talked about the loss of the so-called Protestant work ethic. They gave a number of reasons why the Christian should work; here are some of their conclusions:
1. Work gives expression to our creative gifts and thus fulfills our need for meaning and purpose.
2. Work is intrinsically good when done with the proper motive and attitude.
3. We are commanded to exercise stewardship over the earth, participating in the work of creation that brings glory to God.
4. As citizens of this earth, we have certain responsibilities to our fellow citizens.
5. At the heart of this work-ethic historically lies moral character.
Work is a biblical and God-glorifying act. Idleness does not ever glorify God. Even our recreation should be for the sake of getting back to work. When we work, we should do so knowing that it pleases God to see his children being industrious.
So how does one keep the Sabbath Day holy, even if it's Wednesday? You work unto God's glory out of love for what Jesus Christ has done to secure eternal rest.
Now back to work!
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