Christianity

Just so you know, I've created a "Christianity" category. I know that some may not want to read this category, and I certainly am not going to force you (besides the fact that I can't). Anything that resides in this category has something to do with my growing faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. If you want to read this, I encourage you to do so. I have strong convictions regarding my spiritual being and would be leaving part of myself off of this blog if I didn't write about my faith. If you want to say I'm proselytizing, you can (I prefer other terms, but I can't pick your language for you). My sincerest wish is that the friends I have here can be the same friends that I have beyond the veil. If this causes some examination, great. If you don't want to read it, that's fine, too. I still like you and stuff.

Today is Sunday. For many, it is just another weekend day. For example, my bicycle journal is formatted in such a way that Sunday is the last day of the training week. It is expected, among cyclists, since you are not encumbered with your 9-5 on Sunday, it should be a great day for a long training ride. Many centuries, races, and benefit rides take place on Sunday. For others, it's "Read the Paper Day." Or "Soccer Day." Or whatever else is scheduled for that day.

According to the apostle John (Rev. 1:10), Sunday is the Lord's Day.

Since we've already discussed what it means to be subject to Christ as Lord, what does it mean to observe the Lord's Day? For me, first and absolutely foremost, I need to spend this day in worship and reflection on Christ's sacrifice, and especially remember it through the Lord's Supper (which is actually one of the oldest terms for this event/act of worship/sacrament). I spend so much of my time entangled in my own thoughts, concerns, and schedules that I must have this time weekly because I fail at remembering it daily (which I should do). Reflecting on the pain He experienced, the derision He endured, and the weight of my sins He bore sobers me and causes me to desire to be better at the person that I am, be it a father, husband, co-worker, friend...whatever role I'm filling at the moment. It is the time I use to start my brain for the week and to ground myself, giving me some of the humility that I desperately need. I strive to think about His body as I eat the bread and His blood as I drink the cup. The New Testament tells us that these things aren't merely a reflection of Him, they ARE Him. Christ himself said it, and Paul the apostle said it as well. When I take part in them, I take part in Christ and He is present in that moment (this is a spiritual thing {John 6} not a physical thing. That does not reduce it's power or His presence). Nothing pricks my heart more, and I cherish the Lord's Supper every Sunday and I spend more time during my week reflecting on Christ's crucifixion and what it means to be in His ownership because of that time.

The second thing I realized about this day is that I need to not have anything scheduled if I can help it. There are some days where this isn't possible, and I think God forgives me for those days (after all, what else is grace for? another subject for another time. ). I need to rest on this day. The idea of sabbath is definitely not new, and while it may seem to be Judaical in origin, it actually began before the nation of Israel came into effect. God intends for us to rest one day every week because He designed this into us as part of our make-up. We need time where our responsibilities are not dictating our schedule and we can take a small step back, breathe deeply, and let it go. This day of rest will allow us to start the next day fresh, making us more effective in the many roles that we all have to fill during our week.

Today is the Lord's Day. I should probably act like I know that and respect His ownership, spending my time in rest and reflection on Him and His Son's ultimate sacrifice. too often I don't.

Have a blessed Sunday.