Untitled Sermon (2)

Lord of the Sabbath

You might find yourself justifying not volunteering or serving because you need to preserve your ‘Sabbath’—that day off to recharge. However, consider how serving others can actually rejuvenate your spirit. Look for an organization or ministry that operates on your Sabbath day. If you have Saturday off, dedicate a few hours to helping a local food bank. You’ll find that giving back not only benefits others but also enriches your own spiritual life and makes your time off even more fulfilling.

During your busy school week, it’s easy to use the concept of a spiritual Sabbath as an excuse not to engage in church activities. But think about this: what are you doing with your free time? Instead of binge-watching shows or sleeping in, consider mobilizing a group of friends to plan a service project on your day off, like cleaning up a local park. This can create a community experience and reinforces that serving the Lord can happen in ways that don’t drain your energy.

As you juggle your homework and part-time jobs, remember the importance of setting aside time for the Lord on the Sabbath. You might struggle to balance commitments, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This week, choose one part of your Saturday or Sunday where you intentionally step away from work and engage in a service project that benefits others, like volunteering at a local food bank. This not only honors the Sabbath but also allows you to grow in faith and reflect Christ’s love through your actions.

Many of you might find the pressure of school and work taking a toll on your spiritual life. It’s easy to push your faith aside for deadlines. This Sabbath, consider dedicating a couple of hours to a local ministry, such as tutoring younger children or participating in community cleanup. By serving others, you’ll refresh your spirit and put your busy schedule in perspective, aligning your priorities with God’s call to serve while you rekindle your relationship with Him.

High schoolers often feel the pressure to work hard on weekends, but they can lose sight of spending time with God. If you’ve noticed that your spiritual life is suffering due to your busy schedule, commit this Sabbath to reflect on how you can serve the Lord amidst your responsibilities. Engage in a group clean-up at a local park with friends, which can foster community spirit and help you reconnect with God’s creation, reminding you of the importance of rest and renewal through such service.