The Hardest Sacrament to Give Up as a Saint: Embracing Sabbath Observance

Introduction

For many Christians, the journey of faith involves giving up certain habits, practices, or beliefs to align more closely with biblical teachings. However, one sacrament that stands out as particularly challenging to give up is the observance of the Sabbath. In this article, we explore the difficulties faced by those who choose to transition from regular Sunday worship to keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, the backdrop for faith journeys that can be deeply transformative.

The Transition from Sunday to Sabbath

As a saint, one of the most profound changes I had to make was shifting from Sunday worship to observing the seventh-day Sabbath, a decision that brought both spiritual fulfillment and personal sacrifice.

Traditional Sunday Worship

Prior to this transition, my life revolved around Sunday worship. This included participating in various church events, feasts, and social gatherings centered around church traditions such as Christmas and Easter. These celebrations were more than just religious observances; they were deeply intertwined with family bonds and shared values. The comfort and community I derived from these gatherings were significant aspects of my life.

Deciding to Observe the Sabbath

My journey began with a desire to let go of many of the practices that I believed might be rooted in idolatry or false traditions. I sought to align my life more closely with the Bible, which taught me that the Sabbath, one of the ten commandments, was a vital part of God's covenant with his people. This decision was not an easy one, as it meant giving up the familiar rhythms that had defined my religious life for decades.

The Challenges Faced

The hardest part of this transition was not merely the change in my schedule but the mental and emotional adjustment required. It was a journey of unlearning old ways and learning new ones, a process that was both painful and liberating.

Missing Social Events

One of the most visible impacts of this decision was the impact on my social life. Saturdays became a sacred day, meaning that I would miss out on many non-religious social events, such as sports events, graduations, concerts, cookouts, and movie premieres. This change required significant adjustments, as I had to navigate a society that was geared towards Sunday activities and needed to find meaningful ways to celebrate and connect with others.

Familarity and Family

Family relationships also faced challenges. In my family, there was a profound divide as my choices conflicted with traditional Christian practices. My father, a strong supporter of Sunday worship, was highly upset initially. This led to a period of tension and misunderstanding. Similarly, my children were deeply involved in Christmas traditions, and having to change this was a significant emotional hurdle. However, over time, my family began to understand the rationale behind my choices and came to terms with them.

Maintaining Faith in the Midst of Conflict

The journey to keep the Sabbath was fraught with internal conflict. At times, I found myself questioning whether I was making the right choice. However, the deeper I delved into the Bible, the more I understood that true worship was about more than just outward observances. It was about living a life in accordance with God's commandments.

Morning of Atonement and New Beginnings

One particular day that stands out in my memory is when my father passed away on the Day of Atonement in 2017. I was in Macon, Georgia, working in Nashua, New Hampshire, and could not attend his funeral, which was scheduled to coincide with a Holy Day I needed to honor. This was a painful decision, but it underscored the depth of my commitment to my beliefs.

Conclusion: Embracing the New Way of Life

Ultimately, the hardest part of this journey was not the giving up of old habits but the embracing of a new way of life. It required a complete redefinition of who I was and what I believed. From a lifetime of Sunday worship, I embraced a new form of faith centered around the Sabbath. This transition was not just about changing a day; it was about changing a way of life, a discipline that was challenging yet deeply fulfilling.

Keywords: Sabbath observance, Christian beliefs, giving up traditions