Is  it  ok  to  work  
on  the  sabbath?

Lead Pastor

The question of whether it's ok for Christians to work on Sundays (or the Sabbath) is one that many of us grapple with, especially if we were raised in a Christian home where this tradition was common.

To adequately answer this question, it's important for us to look at the origin and intent of the Sabbath, as well as how its observance has evolved over time. 

In the very beginning, God established a rhythm of work and rest. Genesis tells us:

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:2-3

This "rest" wasn't because God was tired. God doesn't get tired. A more accurate word for this practice might be "cease." God ceased, taking an intentional opportunity to reflect and delight in His creation. This set a precedent for a rhythm of "ceasing" from the very beginning, and it's woven into the very fabric of creation. We work, and then we rest.

The Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai included a specific instruction about the Sabbath:

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
Exodus 20:8

The Israelites were instructed to work for six days, but then to cease work on the seventh, dedicating it as a holy day of rest to the Lord.

The commandment to rest on the Sabbath was more than a rule; it was a gift from God, intended to ensure that His people would pause regularly to remember their dependence on Him and to reflect on His goodness.

However, by the time of Jesus, religious leaders had turned the Sabbath into a day burdened with prohibitions and legalistic rules about what constituted "work." It became work to figure out if they were allowed to work. 

Jesus often challenged these interpretations, emphasizing that: 

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath."
Mark 2:27

In the New Testament, the specific observance of the Sabbath is less emphasized. In fact, it's the only one of the 10 Commandments that is not directly re-affirmed in the New Testament. Instead, Paul writes:

Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
Colossians 2:16

In his letter to the church of Rome, Paul suggests that different people may view the observance of the Sabbath or a day of rest differently.

One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Romans 14:5

The New Testament seems to offer a different perspective on the Sabbath; instead of elevating one specific day, we're told to maintain a rhythm of rest and reflection in all our days.

The answer isn't necessarily a strict "yes" or "no." The heart of the Sabbath command is not about legalistically avoiding work, but instead intentionally embracing a rhythm that includes regular rest and reflection on God's goodness.

It's not the specific day that is critical, but rather the pattern of taking time to rest, to cease from constant busyness, and to reconnect with God.

While the Bible emphasizes the importance of rest, it also acknowledges that life can be unpredictable. Sometimes work may be necessary on a day traditionally set aside for rest, and that's ok. The key is not to be enslaved by a rigid rule but to honor the principle of rest in a way that is meaningful and sustainable in your life. 

Jesus Himself modeled a balanced life of work and rest, often withdrawing to quiet places to pray and rest, even outside of the Sabbath (Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed rest for His physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, how much more do we need rest? The Sabbath principle invites us to pause, be still, and trust that our worth isn't tied to our productivity.

So, rather than asking, "Is it ok to work on the Sabbath?" consider asking, "How can I honor the principle of Sabbath in my life?" The focus should be on finding a sustainable rhythm that includes rest and reflection, allowing space to savor God's goodness and mercy, whether that's on a traditional Sabbath or another time that fits your circumstances.