Articles
Remember the Blue Laws?
“REMEMBER ‘THE BLUE LAWS’?”
Many of us here remember a time when “the blue laws” were in effect for Sundays. We remember a time when only basic necessities such as food or gasoline could be purchased on Sunday. Everything else was closed. Sunday was a day of rest and reverence. Businesses were closed, and most people got together with their families after attending church in the morning. Sundays were very different when I was growing up.
Somewhere along the way, we lost our respect and reverence for the Lord’s Day. Now, it is hard to tell Sunday from any other day of the week. Every business and recreational activity is available. We can purchase almost anything now upon “the first day of the week.” We can indulge in every activity with our children. There are all kinds of athletic events, concerts, practices, and places we can attend. I remember a few years ago, before I retired from education, that our school district was in discussions about allowing basketball leagues to use the school facilities on Sunday. The compromise made was to only allow practices and games on Sunday between noon and 5:00 pm. Of course, you know that didn’t last long. Eventually, the school district gave in and allowed Sunday usage all day long. It eventually spilled over into Wednesday night, as well. After all, look at all the good we are doing for the kids was their argument.
As convenient as this is, it poses a great challenge to the children of Christ. Instead of Sunday worship taking priority, it now seems that “going to church” is something we do if there is nothing else happening. As we continue to strive for spiritual growth, we must make the commitment to place God’s service first and not just work it in when we can.
Let us remember:
Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
Place God first and then family second (Matthew 10:37).
Be Steadfast in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58).
Do not love the world more than God. (James 4:4).
Be good examples to those outside the Church (I Thessalonians
4:11-12).
What is more important to you and your family, worshipping God or participating in activities? How important is your soul to you? How important are the souls of your family members?
Written by Larry Schneider
