One of the toughest issues to deal with for a convert like myself has been appropriate Sabbath observance. And with a growing family, it becomes ever more difficult. I’d like some input from M* readers on what they consider appropriate and inappropriate Sabbath day behavior.
Before we go on, please read the below, in which two modern-day prophets have commented on the issue. The following was taken from this
article in the Ensign.
President Kimball taught how we might observe the Sabbath: “The Sabbath is a day on which to take inventory—to analyze our weaknesses, to confess our sins to our associates and our Lord. It is a day on which to fast in ‘sackcloth and ashes.’ It is a day on which to read good books, a day to contemplate and ponder, … a day to study the scriptures and to prepare sermons, a day to nap and rest and relax, a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family and get acquainted with our children, a day for proper courting, a day to do good, a day to drink at the fountain of knowledge and of instruction, a day to seek forgiveness of our sins, a day for the enrichment of our spirit and our soul, a day to restore us to our spiritual stature, a day to partake of the emblems of his sacrifice and atonement, a day to contemplate the glories of the gospel and of the eternal realms, a day to climb high on the upward path toward our Heavenly Father†(Teachings, 216)
President Kimball reviews some excellent suggestions of the Brethren on what types of activities we might consider doing on the Sabbath: “ ‘As we plan our Sunday activities, we may want to set aside time for our family to be together, for personal study and meditation, and for service to others. We might want to read the scriptures, conference reports, and Church publications; study the lives and teachings of the prophets; prepare Church lessons and other Church assignments; write in journals; pray and meditate; write to or visit relatives and friends; write to missionaries; enjoy uplifting music; have family gospel instruction; hold family council meetings; build husband-wife relationships; read with a child; do genealogical research, including the four-generation program and family or personal histories; sing Church hymns; read uplifting literature; develop our appreciation for the cultural arts; plan family home evening study and activities; plan other family activities; friendship nonmembers; fellowship neighbors; visit the sick, the aged, and the lonely; hold interviews with family members’ †(Teachings, 217).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson gave similar counsel:
“—Engage in activities that contribute to greater spirituality.
“—Attend essential Church meetings in the house of prayer.
“—Acquire spiritual knowledge by reading the scriptures, Church history and biographies, and the inspired words of our Church leaders.
“—Rest physically, get acquainted with your family, relate scriptural stories to your children, and bear your testimony to build family unity.
“—Visit the sick and aged shut-ins.
“—Sing the songs of Zion and listen to inspiring music.
“—Pay devotions to the Most High through prayer (personal and family), fasting, administration, and father’s blessings.
“—Prepare food with a singleness of heart: simple meals prepared largely on Saturday.
“—Remember that Sunday is the Lord’s day, a day to do his work.â€
We might also consider what activities do not fit the spirit or purpose of the Sabbath. Elder Benson offered the following suggestions of what to avoid:
“—Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next day.
“—Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling.
“—Doing gardening and odd jobs around the house.
“—Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other amusements. …
“—Engaging in sports and hunting ‘wild animals’ which God made for the use of man only ‘in times of famine and excess of hunger’ (see D&C 89:15). …
“—Reading material that does not contribute to your spiritual uplift.
“—Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and service stations†(Ensign, May 1971, 6–7).
The prophets have made it pretty clear how we should spend our Sabbath days. Obviously, there are gray areas. Personally, I take my kids to the park on Sundays because it is family time that I like to spend with them. In addition, I like to invite other Church members over on Sundays so we can visit because it seems to be the only day that is available. Occasionally, my kids will get bored and we will watch a DVD that is not necessarily spiritually uplifting.
Any tips from M* readers on how to keep children occupied and entertained and still keep the Sabbath day holy? How do you choose where to draw the line for Sabbath day observance?