Excuse XXVII
Moderation and Balance
Question:
Isn’t the central issue concerning how God’s people keep His Sabbath one of balance?
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One of the most common arguments advanced by Sabbath dining advocates is that although one should not make a habit of going to restaurants on the Sabbath, it would not be wrong to engage in such a practice on occasion. In other words, it should be done in moderation and balance.
At this point it is interesting to note that virtually every proponent of this particular argument also contends that Sabbath dining is absolutely essential to Christian fellowship. The problem with this stream of logic should be obvious. If dining out on God's Sabbath is necessary for fellowship, why should it only be done in moderation?
In truth, this argument is just another attempt to dress up a practice that goes totally contrary to the scriptures. Remember, God's word specifically prohibits His people from acquiring their food on the Sabbath, preparing it on the Sabbath, and from going outside their place (spiritual camp) to obtain it. When issuing this directive, the Almighty even revealed that these instructions would stand as a test of their obedience (Ex. 16). Furthermore, God prohibited His people from soliciting labor on this day. Despite this truth, scores of God's people, including their leaders, find comfort in the notion that they can do each of these things in moderation.
The Plain Truth About Moderation
To be sure, the scriptures do encourage moderation. This quality is a virtue that reflects discipline and self-control, which are essential components to the Christian walk. However, God's word doesn't remotely suggest that He approves of moderation when it comes to going contrary to His law? In other words, can you imagine anyone arguing that adultery is appropriate if done in moderation? Or, that stealing is acceptable if done in balance?
To illustrate this point, ask yourself how God would respond if His people wanted to go to an amusement park once every six months on the Sabbath? Or, play golf once a year on His day? What about painting a room every few years? Or working on the family car every 5000 miles during the time He set apart as holy?
It is doubtful that any true Sabbath-keeper would see these activities, regardless of how infrequently they were done, as anything less than a clear violation of the fourth commandment. Those who think otherwise are just fooling themselves.
God’s law concerning His Sabbath makes many provisions for its observance. But it also outlines prohibitions. This is not done because God is some bully in the sky, but rather because He is a Master Architect who created the Sabbath for a holy purpose.
When the Almighty instructed the children of Israel to “remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,” He indicated that as a result of their obedience, they would KNOW HIM (Ex. 31:12-17). This alone should make honoring the fourth commandment among the highest of priorities. What could be more important than knowing the GREAT GOD and His plan? But how does one keep the Sabbath holy?
Specific Instructions
The Bible is filled with very specific instructions concerning how God’s Sabbath is to be kept. Additionally, the scriptures provide numerous examples of how the great champions of faith honored this commandment. Noticeably absent from these instructions and examples is any hint that buying the services of Sabbath-breakers—even in moderation, is permitted on this day. It simply is not there.
On the contrary, God’s word indicates that profaning the Sabbath is one of the primary reasons the nations of Israel and Judah went into captivity over 2500 years ago. This was the point Nehemiah was trying to hammer home when he contended with the nobles of Judah (Neh. 13:15-21).
Moderation or Compromise?
The fact is that when it comes to the Sabbath, God’s law prohibits working in moderation, doing your own pleasure in moderation, speaking your own words in moderation, even thinking your own thoughts in moderation (Isa. 58:13-14)—and it most definitely prohibits seeking out unbelievers and paying them to prepare your Sabbath meals in moderation.
A Final Thought
The Sabbath is a day that provides a glimpse into a Great Kingdom. That Kingdom will reflect a time of great peace, great prosperity, great health, and great hope. It will also be a time when ignorance and superstition will be replaced with the knowledge of a loving God and Father. Honoring the Sabbath as God commands pictures that Kingdom.
King David once wrote a psalm dedicated to the Sabbath (Psa. 92). It contains some of the most inspiring words ever recorded in scripture. The point here is that the day will come when his words will be a reality. For now, God’s people are able to act out the hope of that Kingdom every week. To do so, they do not need an occasional visit to an amusement park, an occasional movie, or an occasional meal at a restaurant. Such practices do not reflect that Kingdom in the slightest, even if done in “moderation and balance.”
