Evolutionist vs. Creationist Adventists

When it came to Sabbath, I was an Adventist evolutionist.

Janet Page serves as associate ministerial secretary for pastoral spouses, families, and prayer.

When it came to Sabbath, I was an Adventist evolutionist.

On Friday afternoons, with sundown only hours away, I’d spring into action. Clean the house and run to the grocery store, hastily planning meals as I hurried down each aisle. As a young wife and mother, I would rush into Sabbath and just let things accidentally happen.

Sabbath mornings were chaotic. I raced around finding clothes for my two sons and me, thinking of what needed to be done for lunch. Then we were late, of course. At church I prepared my tithe and offering as the offering was being taken.

Sabbath afternoon family activities were repeats of the week before unless something interesting happened by chance. I was falling into Sabbath and teaching my sons the frantic burden of God’s holy day.

Praise God, a seminar opened my eyes to God’s plan. I stopped being an “evolutionist” (letting Sabbaths happen by chance) and learned how to be a “creationist” (designing our Sabbaths intentionally).

Friday evening supper became a special time. The boys were assigned to decorate the table. They could choose anything that reflected God and His creation. My young sons liked reptiles and would often decorate the table with candles and their toy snakes, alligators, and dinosaurs. Sometimes they collected pinecones, sticks, and rocks for their theme.

It probably was not the most inviting table, but my sons were proud of their decorations, which they felt honored God and the Sabbath. (I don’t know what girls would have chosen.)

I wanted Friday evening meals to be special. My family chose one of their favorites—fruit soup and cornbread. We would light candles, sing a song, and pray together as we celebrated the beginning of Sabbath.

Sabbaths became even more special as we started planning on Sunday for the next Sabbath. Getting the clothes ready, planning our offering, choosing Sabbath afternoon activities, and planning meals became a joy instead of a last-minute crisis.

We became creationist Adventists. No longer was Sabbath an accidental happening. It became a time carefully planned for meeting with Jesus and each other.

Are you an evolutionist or creationist Adventist? In this issue of The Journal, you’ll find creative articles about how to make Sabbath special. I hope and pray it blesses you, your family, and your church members.