Counsel #20 — To Do, or Not to Do

Picture: Counsel #20 — To Do, or Not to DoCCW 97.1

The importance of resting on the seventh-day Sabbath cannot be overstated; it declares that we belong to God^{[149]Exodus 31:13} and protects our relationship with Him. To disregard His day is to reject Him as our Creator and Savior.^{[150]Exodus 20:11; Deuteronomy 5:15} Because God set the Sabbath apart as holy, how do we obediently observe it to honor Him?CCW 97.2

The prophet Nehemiah rebuked Israel for working on the Sabbath. To guard this sacred day, he ordered Jerusalem’s gates shut during Sabbath hours, preventing buying and selling with outside merchants. He knew that work and commerce violated God’s holy day.^{[151]Nehemiah 13:15-22}CCW 97.3

Motivated by love for God, true Sabbath-keeping is reflected in our choices and behaviors. What guidelines help us keep it holy?^{[152] https://adventist.org/beliefs/bible/sabbath/how-we-can-celebrate-the-sabbath-today#2-how-to-plan-for-the-sabbath} We set aside anything self-focused or selfish,^{[153]Isaiah 58:13, 14a} any materialistic labor for money, worldly pleasure, or profit. Instead, we rest from work, do good for others, connect in worship with other believers, and celebrate God’s creation outdoors. Above all, we spend time with the One we love—who made us, heals and saves us!^{[154] https://adventistreview.org/news/focus-on-principles-to-make-sabbath-a-delight-presenter-says/} The Sabbath is not only a command—it’s God’s eternal gift of love.CCW 97.4

“If the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath.” Nehemiah 10:31 NKJVCCW 97.5

“While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. Ellen White in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 357CCW 97.6

Reflect: What steps can you take to better prepare for next Sabbath?CCW 97.7