The Lord's Day, as we well know, has been set aside by the Lord for us, for man, as a day of worship, rest, prayer, rejoicing and a time of fellowship with the brethren and family. We know the importance of our good stewardship of this day, as with all days that our God gives us, but this is such a lovely and precious gift that our God has given us that we want, as much as is possible and as much as lies within us, to do "all to the glory of God" in it.  As parents, this is especially important because we are forming the lifestyle, commitments, habits and memories for our children and forming those principles for their Lord's Day as well. Thus, it is most important that we as adults, parents, honor the Lord's Day, not in Sabbath-keeping as in OT law, which we know as Reformed believers never was kept and only the Lord Jesus Christ as our Redeemer King, kept that law perfectly and does so for us. Therefore, we honor the Lord's Day as He has set forth and more specifically explained in the NT and we do so in many ways and especially in the ways described above.

As we teach and train our children in worship, prayer and Scripture reading, including how to worship both in church and home, we also include how we set apart the Lord's Day for rest (not sleeping) and for play. If we have foundationally taught them as above, they already know the importance of the Lord's Day and their own conscience (and/or if regenerated, they will know by the indwelling Holy Spirit) what is permissible and what is not. Now, of course, I would like to think that all of the believers children do not have anything, books, toys, videos or music or anything else that would not glorify God but we cannot and should not bind the conscience of Christian parents in these things but lovingly and prayerfully help them grow in their understanding of the Lord's Day and how to best enjoy it for their good and God's glory.

When we consider that the majority of the Lord's Day is in worship services, perhaps both morning and evening, the Lord's Day meal and family devotions, there is not much day left for other things. All of us have varieties of different Lord's Day activities that are important to family life. Some folks have special videos, games, books, family walks and other like things to complete the day with an early bedtime to prepare for another week of work and responsibilities.

As biblical Christians, we don't have a list of do's and don'ts of the Lord's Day. We don't "keep the law" (OT legalism, Pharisaim) but at the same time, we are not Antinomians (i.e., without the law -- can do anything we want) and thus as we enjoy the Lord's Day, we always keep in mind our theology that we don't do anything, Lord's Day or at any other time, to gain the favor of God to look upon us more lovingly or righteously. God's looks upon us on the Lord's Day as He does every day and as He does, He sees His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the righteousness of the law that Christ has performed in keeping the law perfectly for us as His children. He has stood in our stead so that we have entered His rest. We do not do the "works of law-keeping" or "Sabbath-keeping" because Scripture has warned us that if we try to "keep" one law we are responsible to "keep" all (James 2:10). Thus, our Lord's Day is a day which we enjoy to focus on Him particularly and enjoy those things that He has given for this day, worship, praise, prayer, singing, rest and fellowship.

So now a more practical application. If our little one has a favorite teddy bear or doll which they keep with them at all times, do we take it away on the Lord's Day? Of course not.  We teach them to dress up teddy or dolly and play "going to church" "going to fellowship" "going on a walk to see God's creation." If we watch videos, they should always be "to the glory of God" but this is a good day for the family to sit down together as a family and watch a biblical video or read a biblical story. There are good Bible games wherein we can teach our children Scripture verses and sharpen their minds.  It is a good day for catechism instruction. We can walk through the park learning about God's creation is lovely way to "rest" on the Lord's Day.  Inviting young people, singles, couples, seniors or those "wanting" over for lunch/dinner and enjoy conversation and spiritual refreshment is another good way. Evangelism is always a wonderful way for parents and children to spend a part of the Lord's Day.

A reminder to us parents.  The children are watching always. What we say and what we do is important. We speak volumes by what we do so if we are teaching them one thing and we are doing another (God forbid), they will mimic us and/or grow up despising the Lord's Day as a punishment not a gift.  Be careful that you do not bring your children "under the law" in a way that is not biblical by do's and don'ts which cause them to believe they are more holy on Sunday's then the rest of the week. Their holiness is based in Christ's redemption and His work, they and we are still miserable sinners and will always be no matter what we do or do not do. Teach them to "number their days" as the Lord has given and that each day is His gift for His glory and our good. Teach them the love of God in Christ and the resulting joy, contentment and blessedness that comes from loving and worshipping Him from a heart of love and not a heart of law-keeping or legalism. Teach them to walk Christ-like and their hearts will be at rest. Show them the "good way" and they will bless you for it. Do not put a yoke of bondage upon them, put on Christ so that they are eager in heart and mind to love, obey and enjoy Him on His and their day to the praise of His glorious grace.

I could share more here about some of the practical things that we did as a family but most of them are mentioned above. Did it work perfectly? No, of course not, but we "pressed" on and are the better for it. I always say, "we are what we read" but I also say, "we are what we do" so if that helps, use it in your application of who to spend your Lord's Day. I pray you are helped or at least thinking about these things.

For the glory of God....

JoanY