Sabbath Day

“There is a direct correlation between the proper observance of the Sabbath and true reverence for God, which includes obedience to his other commandments.”

( John Groerburg,  General conference , 1984 )

"Oh, my dear brothers and sisters, there is power in keeping the  Sabbath day holy—power to help others as well as ourselves. If we would have God’s blessings and protection as individuals, as families, as communities, and as nations, we must keep His Sabbath day holy."

( John Groerburg,  General conference , 1984 )

“The Lord commanded: “Go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” 4  A critical element in observing this commandment is to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” 

( Aldridge Gislispe, General Conference 2000)

Now it is time to “bind [ourselves] to act in all holiness before [the Lord].” 3  In other words, based on this conference, we need to decide on specific actions to bring about needed changes in our lives. This action is called faith, and the changes are repentance. Blessings always follow these two principles. If we do not take action quickly, then the very thing which could have sanctified us may  turn to our condemnation.

( Aldridge Gislispe, General Conference 2000)

The prophet Spencer W. Kimball counseled: “The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from  work and recreation is important but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, sleeping,reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day to which he is expected. [Failure]to do these proper  things is a transgression on the omission side.” 16 

( Aldridge Gislispe, General Conference 2000)

“The Sabbath was made for man.” 18  What does that mean? It means for a man to have the joy and happiness which the gospel promises, on this day he must sacrifice the world, set aside his employment as possible, and keep the eternal covenant of the  Sabbath day. The Lord commanded: “Wherefore the children of Israel [which includes all Latter-day Saints] shall keep the Sabbath … throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever.” 19 

( Aldridge Gislispe, General Conference 2000)

"The way we keep the Sabbath day holy is an outward manifestation of our covenant to always remember Jesus Christ. " 

                                                                                   ( Lary M. Gibson ) 

"I wish I had the power to convert this whole church to the observance of the Sabbath. I know our people would be more richly blessed of the Lord if they would walk in faithfulness of the observance of the Sabbath. "

                                                                                       ( President Gordon B. Hinckley ) 

"Sunday is more than a day of rest, it is a feast day for your spirit bodies"

                                                                                                    ( Harold B. Lee ) 

Position: In my own life I have kept the Sabbath day holy better at sometimes than others. During the times that I have kept it more fully, I have felt the spirit in my life more. I am thankful that the Lord gave us a day to rest and become closer to Him through our worship at church, and at home. The Sabbath day is a blessing that I know individuals can miss out on easily when they do not recognize the blessings that can come from actually taking the time to learn from the scriptures at a deeper level through scripture study. I have found the Sabbath Day to be a wonderful day to write in journals, and study at deeper levels than I would have on days that I do not have time. 

Application: Since my husband often goes to work on Sundays or to his own church it can be difficult for me to ensure that my children are also keeping the Sabbath day holy as I get ready for church. One thing that I have incorporated is the decision that I have been teaching them to only watch church shows on Sunday, rather than just turning on the TV. I am thankful for the media that is available on www.lds.org that allows for my children to be busy while still keeping the Sabbath day holy.