The Sabbath

Mormons are taught to keep the Sabbath Day holy as commanded in scripture.  Whenever possible, we don’t work on Sundays, cause others to work (i.e. by visiting their restaurants on Sunday), we avoid certain recreational activities, we go to our church meetings, and we spend the day with family or giving service.  Some families will turn the TV off completely and others will choose wholesome viewing related to the Gospel.

Of course, sometimes the ox is in the mire and as Jesus Christ said, “It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath.”  Professions such as doctors and nurses are obviously needed and won’t be condemned for doing what is needed.  We believe in planning ahead to avoid unnecessary trips to the store and you will likely find that our children won’t be able to play on this day.  Our goal is to devote the whole day to our Father in Heaven.  Not only is this a way of showing love to Him, it is rejuvenating to us and a good way to get the family together in a world where we are so often pulled apart.  Because God rested on the 7th day when creating the earth, so do we because of His example.  The day of observance was changed to Sunday because of Christ’s resurrection.

This can be a complicated issue when it comes to LDS kids wanting to do sports that require Sunday games or practices.  Some choose to participate on Sunday and others tell their teams they will have to sit out for any games or practices on that day.  It’s not our hope for others to feel looked down on for being involved in Sunday sports, but to be respected for our belief not to do so.  We don’t expect others to feel the same about this issue.

Sometimes Sunday travel is also necessary, but we do our best to still honor the day the best we can, perhaps making it a time for scripture study or quiet prayer.

When choosing activities for the Sabbath Day, it is suggested that we ask ourselves, “Will it inspire and uplift me?”  We allow the Spirit to guide families on how they honor this day.