Be Still, Monday, February 21, 2011

Reading: Mark 2:27, Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

The Sabbath was a day that was meant to connect with God, a day of rest. Even for the disciples, this was a tough concept. The Pharisees or legalist of that day took the Sabbath to the extreme. If you walked 750 feet from your front door you broke the Sabbath. If you tied a knot or carried wood, you broke the Sabbath.

Then, here comes Jesus onto the scene. He said, “Listen… I made the Sabbath. Work until it’s quitting time and when its time to quit… quit!” (paraphrased)

A few years ago I remember watching my son in first grade playing soccer. I brought some papers home with me and he asked me, “Dad what are you doing?” “Well, son, I didn’t get all my work done last night, so I had to bring it home and work on it today. He looked up at me and said, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings but maybe you could go back and ask them to put you in a slower group.”

I learned a valuable lesson from my son that day… try to unplug! Men, work hard at work, but, when it’s time to go home, give your family the best of you!

Do you struggle with being still and leaving all other burdens and business outside the home?

Challenge #1: Before you walk into the house today, stop and ask God to help you to leave work outside of your home today and to calm your spirit to be still to give your family your undivided attention.

Challenge #2: Select at least 2 things that you can do to make your time at home special and “still” with your family today/tonight. They are a priority.


REVIEW

Were you able to “be still” today?

What did you do to complete both challenges and how did it impact your day?