So, I recently read a thought-provoking article entitled, “Tying the Clouds Together.” The article was a leadership interview with Rob Bell, Founding Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. Bell made reference to a question he once asked and it got my attention. He said, “What day of the week do you not answer email? When do you take a Sabbath to remind yourself that you’re not a machine, you’re a human?” Well I guess it was two questions!
Although not the focus of the article, it made me take an inventory of my personal Sabbath and how well I’m doing at disconnecting from my daily rhythm in order to recharge my spiritual batteries. I’m the first to admit that I’m not the best at unplugging. In fact, now that I’m the proud owner of an iPhone, it’s become even more tempting to sacrifice my Sabbath on the altar of being “connected.” And that has got to change. So, here’s what I’ve decided to do between now and Easter in an attempt to restore the Sabbath’s purpose in my life.
First, I plan to “fast” from the internet on Sunday’s. Just writing that makes me cringe. I guess I’m sort of a cyber-junkie if I’m being totally honest. But for the sake of striking a healthy balance, I need to take one day per week just to unplug from those things that demand my attention the other six. I may not do this forever, but for now I must redeem the Sabbath by focusing more on my God-connection than my wireless connection!
Second, I intend to ramp up my Bible reading on Sunday’s. For most pastors, the last thing we want to do after church is read the Bible. Just being real! It’s not that I don’t love and value God’s word; just the opposite. But after a steady diet of it throughout the week and speaking on sharing it on Sunday, it’s tempting to take a “break” from reading the Bible. So, here’s my goal – I’m planning to read through the New Testament between now and Easter. I’m excited to see what God will speak to me during my Sabbath reads!
Finally, I intend to force myself to do something that doesn’t come natural to me – take a nap! Don’t get me wrong, there are times I enjoy a good nap but it’s a rare exception for me, even on Sundays (except for an occasional “sports nap,” of course). May not sound too spiritual, but I think there’s plenty of support for the spirituality of physical rest in the Bible. And I plan to put it to the test, yes, between now and Easter!
So, there you have it. My simple plan to redeem the Sabbath and remind myself that I am more than a machine; I am a human being. And God cares more about my human “being” than my human “doing.”
Can’t wait to take this holy pilgrimage. How’s your Sabbath these days?
