It is generally believed that when the apostle John said he was "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" (Rev. 1:10), he was referring to the first day of the week. Given this interpretation, it is not surprising that Christians frequently use that term to refer to the day on which we come together to partake of the Lord's supper (Acts 20:7).

While I'm not questioning the scriptural accuracy of such a reference, I do have to wonder if our modern-day use of that day justifies saying it belongs to the Lord any more than the other six days of the week.

I understand that the first day of the week is not like the Sabbath under the Law of Moses and that it is not a "holy day." I'm also aware that first century saints did not have the leisure time that we enjoy, and yet we find them "breaking bread from house to house" (Acts 2:46) and staying up until midnight listening to preaching (Acts 20:7). Our generous leisure time should remind us, "to whom much is given...much will be required" (Luke 12:48). There was a time in America when more of the first day was set aside for spiritual activities than we generally see happening today. To a great degree, Sunday has been co-opted by business, sports, and other personal activities.

Sunday is now a time for sleeping, for putting in overtime at work, for doing yard work, for traveling, and for playing or watching sports. For pro football fans it's "Gameday!" - and, don't forget, "Super Bowl Sunday."

The aforementioned activities are not wrong - even on Sunday. I have been known to use the day for these and other activities, so I'm not trying to lay a guilt trip on anyone. It's just that I'm old enough to remember with fondness when Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A were not the only businesses closed on Sunday. So many distractions have been added to our lives. In the absence of these distractions, Christians spent more time together developing "fervent love for one another" and fulfilling the admonition to "be hospitable to one another" (1 Pet. 4:8-9).

- www.thinkonthesethings.com