Remember the Sabbath
day by keeping it holy. ~ Exodus 20:8
I was talking with a friend of mine the other day and told her that I
work and work and work until I am so worn out that I give-in to sickness to justify my taking a break. When I read these words, when I say them
out-loud, I realize not only how dumb that sounds, but also how prideful. The Bible says I am to, “Work with
enthusiasm, as though…working for the Lord rather than for people,” (Ephesians
6:7). I am to work with enthusiasm—with goodwill
or kindness—not slave and slave and slave until I drop. When I slave away, I realize it’s to win
people’s approval, for my God loves me enough that He has said, “Six days you
shall labor and do all your work but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the
Lord your God….Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy,”
(Exodus 20:9-11). God made holy—set aside
or purposed for me—a Sabbath—a day of rest—so that I could enthusiastically
carry out the work He has given me. When
I follow His plan, then I’m able to—in His power—carry out His desired work in
my life with enthusiasm and great success.
However, when I ignore His plan, then I’m slaving away in my power and
ability until I collapse in sickness and no longer enjoy the work the Lord has
laid before me.
Father, thank you for revealing to me that while I’m not where I want to
be, I’m also not where I used to be and it’s all for Your glory. Thank you for showing me the way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
