Holy days

“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” Romans 14:5
Most Christians understand that Sunday is not the Sabbath. But for the Christian, neither is Saturday the Sabbath. Jesus Christ fulfils the Sabbath, meaning that we have a Sabbath rest in Him, every day (Heb. 4:9-11).
Ok, so Sunday is not the Sabbath, so we don’t have to worry about breaking the Sabbath laws (not lighting fires, not working, etc.). But what about shopping on Sundays? Or going to the supermarket on a Sunday? Or eating out on a Sunday? Many people – my family included – take issue with going shopping on Sundays. I’m not asking this to point out that they are wrong, nor that they are right. As Paul said, ‘Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.’ Whatever decision you’ve made about spending money on Sundays (both what is ok and what is not ok), stick to it.
Another example is Good Friday. Here in New Zealand, Good Friday is a public holiday. The only shops that are allowed to open for business are petrol stations and convenience stores (which we call ‘dairies’), although others try to, risking a fine. However, I did spend a year working in the US and was shocked to learn that Good Friday is treated no differently from any other day. Shops are open, people go to work, etc. I took the day off to reflect on the meaning – and yes I know, Jesus wasn’t crucified on a Friday, just as He wasn’t born on 25 December. Again, ‘Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.’ Should we observe ‘holy days’ as Christians? I would answer this: as long as they bring you closer to God.