One of the things that has changed in my life in the Church of the Nazarene is the way born again Christians handle Sunday, the Lord’s Day, as we term it, the Christian Sabbath. We have left behind many legalistic prohibitions, such as how we dress, or what we watch on TV or in the movies. For the most part, good riddance, I suppose. But the Lord’s Day involves one of the Ten Commandments. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
Not only Protestant churches, but the entire culture, for the most part, pretty much shut down secular activities on Sunday. Nazarenes would no more go shopping or play baseball on Sunday than lie or cheat or steal.
Now I am not saying harsh legalism produces anything good. Holiness cannot be legislated. But there was something to be said for a day in the week that was absolutely different, and focused on spiritual things.
Now I come home from church and turn on the ball game, and fall asleep on the couch with the Sunday paper (once a big no-no) falling off my lap. I feel vaguely guilty. I read my Bible on Sunday- but then I read my Bible every day I live. Church comes first on Sunday- but then my kids are all grown and I don’t have to decide between Sunday School and Babe Ruth for them.
What are the answers?
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As the church redefines its image, it may have to redefine what "remembering the sabbath" means. Jesus said it was made for man, and not vice versa. Today's generation is often focused on doing (not a bad thing), so perhaps compassionate ministries should become a more prominent focus for Sunday (instead of naps, though I do enjoy a good nap!).
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