Keeping The Sabbath Holy -- Commandment Or Suggestion?

[mormonnewb]

While most active Mormons try to keep the commandments and heed the counsel of the prophets, I think that many of us make a distinction between the two -- commandments and suggestions. And while we all make mistakes (sometimes even on purpose), there seems to be a tendency to treat commandments more seriously than suggestions.

I see this on Facebook all the time. No active member of my ward would consider posting a picture of themselves drinking wine or smoking a cigarette. In fact, even the ex-Mormons I know seem to try to avoid doing so, just out of respect for their still-believing parents.

However, when it comes to something like keeping the Sabbath holy, all bets are off. It's not just that we ignore the counsel to avoid movies, sporting events, watching mindless TV, etc., but we'll brag about it on FB. Now, I understand that keeping the Sabbath holy is not an absolute commandment and that there are valid exemptions (unlike say the Law of. Chastity), but I don't think anyone would argue that going fishing or to the NBA All-Star game is a necessity that justifies ignoring prophetic counsel.

So why does keeping the Sabbath Holy seem to fall into the category of "suggestion" for some members of the Church? Is it because there is no specific temple recommend asking, "Do you keep the Sabbath holy?" And for those of you like me who tend to be more "flexible" with regards to Sabbath keeping, where do you draw the line?

No business travel on the Sabbath?

No working on the Sabbath, but you will travel on the Sabbath?

No TV?

No sporting events?

No movies?

No commercial transactions?

I suspect that there is a great diversity of practice in regards to this commandment/suggestion.

[cinepro]

I agree.  I would have to say that it isn't a "core doctrine".  It's like Noah's global flood.  Believe in it if you want, but you can still go to the Temple and hold a calling if you don't.

Edited October 18, 2014 by cinepro

[Silhouette]

It's one of the Ten Commandments, so I'd view it as a for sure commandment, and not a "suggestion".

Having said that, I have not yet mastered the appropriate way to keep the Sabbath holy.

[Rivers]

D&C 58:42 

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

 

 

[ERayR]

While most active Mormons try to keep the commandments and heed the counsel of the prophets, I think that many of us make a distinction between the two -- commandments and suggestions. And while we all make mistakes (sometimes even on purpose), there seems to be a tendency to treat commandments more seriously than suggestions.

I see this on Facebook all the time. No active member of my ward would consider posting a picture of themselves drinking wine or smoking a cigarette. In fact, even the ex-Mormons I know seem to try to avoid doing so, just out of respect for their still-believing parents.

However, when it comes to something like keeping the Sabbath holy, all bets are off. It's not just that we ignore the counsel to avoid movies, sporting events, watching mindless TV, etc., but we'll brag about it on FB. Now, I understand that keeping the Sabbath holy is not an absolute commandment and that there are valid exemptions (unlike say the Law of. Chastity), but I don't think anyone would argue that going fishing or to the NBA All-Star game is a necessity that justifies ignoring prophetic counsel.

So why does keeping the Sabbath Holy seem to fall into the category of "suggestion" for some members of the Church? Is it because there is no specific temple recommend asking, "Do you keep the Sabbath holy?" And for those of you like me who tend to be more "flexible" with regards to Sabbath keeping, where do you draw the line?

No business travel on the Sabbath?

No working on the Sabbath, but you will travel on the Sabbath?

No TV?

No sporting events?

No movies?

No commercial transactions?

I suspect that there is a great diversity of practice in regards to this commandment/suggestion.

 

Where God is concerned I do not see any appreciable difference.

[Calm]

I disagee

I agree.  I would have to say that it isn't a "core doctrine".  It's like Noah's global flood.  Believe in it if you want, but you can still go to the Temple and hold a calling if you don't.

I disagree. While Noah may be used as an example of obedience and faith in the basic doctrine manual, keeping the Sabbath holy is one of the docrinal topics focused on (has its own chapter https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-24-the-sabbath-day?lang=eng ), so it would appear to me as considered part of the basic/core teachings.

[mormonnewb]

I disagee

I disagree. While Noah may be used as an example of obedience and faith in the basic doctrine manual, keeping the Sabbath holy is one of the docrinal topics focused on (has its own chapter https://www.lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-24-the-sabbath-day?lang=eng ), so it would appear to me as considered part of the basic/core teachings.

While it is a core teaching, it does seem to be a non-essential PRACTICE since it doesn't seem to affect one's worthiness. Or is that just in my strange ward?

Are there cases in which people lose temple recommends, get released from callings or even disfellowshipped for flagrant violations of the commandment?

[strappinglad]

The last question in the temple recommend interview should cover it.

[mormonnewb]

The last question in the temple recommend interview should cover it.

Except that I don't think most people think that the last question applies to the Sabbath, even bishops.

After all, if I post a picture of myself drinking on FB and my bishop finds out (and he will), then he will call me out when I tell him that I keep the WoW. He's not going to let me just brazenly claim my righteousness when he KNOWS differently.

Maybe my bishop is weird, but he didn't blink an eye when I answered "yes" to #14 in my last temple recommend (that won't be the case next time) despite the fact that he regularly sees and "likes" my Sabbath-breaking posts on FB.

Edited October 18, 2014 by mormonnewb

[The Nehor]

No business travel on the Sabbath?

No working on the Sabbath, but you will travel on the Sabbath?

No TV?

No sporting events?

No movies?

No commercial transactions?

 

I try to avoid business travel on the Sabbath but if I have an early meeting on Monday or am coming home on Sunday I endure it.

I try to avoid working on the sabbath.

I do not watch TV unless it is something edifying (rare).

I do not go to or watch sporting events. But then I do not do this in any case unless a relative is playing in the game.

Movies same as TV.

I avoid any commercial transaction that could cause someone to have to labor. If I am driving the missionaries around and need gas I have no problem using an automated pump. I have no problem placing an order online that will not be messed with until Monday.

 

It is not a suggestion. It is a commandment but the commandment is to keep the day holy which is left to the discretion of the person and God. In practice this usually means the person decides to do something detracting from the holiness and imagines their conscience makes it okay without clearing it with God.

[strappinglad]

The older I get the more seriously I take the " Sabbath is a day of rest" admonition.

[Grudunza]

I believe it is a commandment, but how we practice it is very individual, and that's why there is no specific standard for measuring temple worthiness and such based on Sabbath observance.  For me, traveling on a Sunday is sometimes a must, so I don't even blink an eye at that when I have to, but for others that may be a strong no-no.  And while traveling on a Sunday I will try to avoid eating out anywhere, but consider vending machines acceptable to patronize, or if I'm on a plane and they're going to offer food, anyway, then I feel I might as well have some.  And sometimes buying gas is necessary... I don't feel that walking miles to get gas or being stranded on the side of the road are good uses of my Sunday time. 

 

But in general, it's one of those things that we should care about our own practice of and not begin to care about what others do.  Some may feel that watching TV or movies with their families is okay, and others may not.  Some may feel that going out to walk in a park is a good spiritual use of their time, and others may not.  Some may feel that getting in touch with friends and family on Facebook is a good Sunday activity and others may not.  I say, if you're happy with your standard, be happy with that, and let others do as they may.   The last few times Sabbath observance has been covered in church, it has been of the "work it out yourselves" counsel, and I think that's good.  

I also feel that personally, this is almost certainly the one commandment I could adhere to better...  I should be more conscious of what I'm doing on Sabbath days.  Not that some specific things matter that much (TV, Facebook, etc.), ultimately, but as a general idea of giving a rest to things I do and care about the other 6 days, and having a more spiritual focus in general, I know I could do more to "remember" the Sabbath and keep it holy. 

[mormonnewb]

I believe it is a commandment, but how we practice it is very individual, and that's why there is no specific standard for measuring temple worthiness and such based on Sabbath observance.  For me, traveling on a Sunday is sometimes a must, so I don't even blink an eye at that when I have to, but for others that may be a strong no-no.  And while traveling on a Sunday I will try to avoid eating out anywhere, but consider vending machines acceptable to patronize, or if I'm on a plane and they're going to offer food, anyway, then I feel I might as well have some.  And sometimes buying gas is necessary... I don't feel that walking miles to get gas or being stranded on the side of the road are good uses of my Sunday time. 

 

But in general, it's one of those things that we should care about our own practice of and not begin to care about what others do.  Some may feel that watching TV or movies with their families is okay, and others may not.  Some may feel that going out to walk in a park is a good spiritual use of their time, and others may not.  Some may feel that getting in touch with friends and family on Facebook is a good Sunday activity and others may not.  I say, if you're happy with your standard, be happy with that, and let others do as they may.   The last few times Sabbath observance has been covered in church, it has been of the "work it out yourselves" counsel, and I think that's good.  

I also feel that personally, this is almost certainly the one commandment I could adhere to better...  I should be more conscious of what I'm doing on Sabbath days.  Not that some specific things matter that much (TV, Facebook, etc.), ultimately, but as a general idea of giving a rest to things I do and care about the other 6 days, and having a more spiritual focus in general, I know I could do more to "remember" the Sabbath and keep it holy.

I like the Church's "live and let live" approach to the Sabbath. I'd like to see this approach with regards to a number of things.

[Calm]

 I have no problem placing an order online that will not be messed with until Monday.

 

I don't do this because it puts me in a commercial/materialistic state of mind.  

 

I probably should be better with the uplifting TV/movie stuff.  I do watch a lot of mystery stuff (police procedurals, etc.) because I like to see minds working, puzzles solved (love Agatha Christie type of mystery, don't like the blood and gore or scandal stuff) but that can get into human degradation.  If it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth or feeling somewhat sick to my stomach, I generally stop watching the show anyway for good, but I think dwelling on the evil men do on a Sabbath day isn't all that appropriate now that I think about it, no matter how interesting the puzzle is.

 

PS:  this is my own rule, I don't intend my rules to be others' rules.

[Ahab]

I draw the line at doing anything that involves spending money to do something or to have somebody else do it for me.

For example, I don't go anywhere to buy food on Sundays, no grocery stores or restaurants. I will however eat at my home, or go to someone else's home if invited. I won't spend money to buy gas to get to someone else's home though, so if I don't have enough gas to get there I will find a way to get there without using money or I won't go.

And fishing is a perfectly acceptable way to spend some time on Sundays, as long as I can stay relaxed and have plenty of time to ponder.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Ahab

[rodheadlee]

I Sabbath in whatever I do on Sunday. 

[Hamba Tuhan]

Or is that just in my strange ward?

 

I think it be your ward.

 

[The bishop] regularly sees and "likes" my Sabbath-breaking posts on FB.

 

Or maybe mostly just you?

[Hamba Tuhan]

The longer I have lived, the more I have come to see the fulfilment in my own life of Isaiah's promise:

 

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Hamba Tuhan

[Ahab]

The longer I have lived, the more I have come to see the fulfilment in my own life of Isaiah's promise:

It's kinda hard to not make our Lord's ways our own ways and not have pleasure in what we are doing, don't cha think?

[Hamba Tuhan]

It's kinda hard to not make our Lord's ways our own ways and not have pleasure in what we are doing, don't cha think?

 

I do indeed think.

 

I was actually just running through my day tomorrow in my head:

 

6:00: Wake up and get ready.

8:00: Pick up the missionaries.

8:30: Attend ward council.

10:00: Drop the missionaries back to their flat.

10:30: Finish preparing my Gospel Principles lesson.

12:00: Start picking people up for church. (I have a full car tomorrow.)

12:30: Arrive at the chapel and set up for my lesson.

1:00: Church.

4:00: Take the Elders to meet my office cleaner and his wife (both from Bhutan).

5:30: Attend a non-member lesson with the Elders.

7:00: 'Home teach' a non-member friend with the Elders. (He's not ready to come to church yet, he says, but he likes the monthly home teaching lessons.)

8:00: Home teach a part-member family with the Elders.

9:00: Drop the Elders at their flat.

9:30: Break fast.

10:00: Read in the Book of Mormon, pray, and drop into bed.

 

At which point I'll be filled with joy and gratitude ... and still wondering what on earth other people are doing with themselves to violate the Sabbath.

Edited October 18, 2014 by Hamba Tuhan

[janderich]

There is a temple recommend question that is definitely geared toward honoring the Sabbath. It says, "Do you strive to keep the covenants you have made, to attend sacrament and other meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?" 

 

I believe honoring the sabbath has much to do with our internal observance and less to do with the external forms. Of course we need to attend meetings but words like "pay devotions", "rest", "singleness of heart", etc. lead me to believe that we need to find peace and leave our "work" behind us for a day.

[Senator]

I do indeed think.

 

I was actually just running through my day tomorrow in my head:

 

6:00: Wake up and get ready.

8:00: Pick up the missionaries.

8:30: Attend ward council.

10:00: Drop the missionaries back to their flat.

10:30: Finish preparing my Gospel Principles lesson.

12:00: Start picking people up for church. (I have a full car tomorrow.)

12:30: Arrive at the chapel and set up for my lesson.

1:00: Church.

4:00: Take the Elders to meet my office cleaner and his wife (both from Bhutan).

5:30: Attend a non-member lesson with the Elders.

7:00: 'Home teach' a non-member friend with the Elders. (He's not ready to come to church yet, he says, but he likes the monthly home teaching lessons.)

8:00: Home teach a part-member family with the Elders.

9:00: Drop the Elders at their flat.

9:30: Break fast.

10:00: Read in the Book of Mormon, pray, and drop into bed.

 

At which point I'll be filled with joy and gratitude ... and still wondering what on earth other people are doing with themselves to violate the Sabbath.

 

I'm not quite sure how to take this post. For some reason (other than it's obvious you are more righteous than I) it doesn't sit well with me.

 

Maybe I have missread you.

[JLHPROF]

My opinion:

 

1. Keeping the Sabbath day holy IS a direct commandment.

 

2. The Sabbath was made for man - it's a benefit for us.

 

3. Sometimes you have to pull the ox from the mire.

 

Other than that, I believe in devoting the Sabbath to the Lord and to Family.  I have no issues with a bit of tv in the evening with the family.

I have issues going out to eat or spending money since doing so requires others to be at work on a Sunday and prevents them from keeping the sabbath or being with their family.