Why is Sabbath-day football even an issue addressed at BYU? How was it possible for me to read, 'It may seem members of the church have a lot of freedom of interpretation when it comes to the Sabbath day commandment because no official list of approved activities has been published?'
The honest seeker of truth will find that numerous modern-day prophets have given a myriad of suggestions regarding appropriate or inappropriate behavior on the Sabbath. Yet, a true disciple of Christ would find such a list unnecessary as he does not need to be 'commanded in all things'(D&C 58:26).
President Spencer W. Kimball said, 'The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important, but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, sleeping, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day to which he is expected. To fail to do these proper things is a transgression on the omission side.' (The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 96-97).
President Gordon B. Hinckley has addressed the issue of football and the Sabbath. He said, 'The Sabbath of the Lord is becoming the play day of the people. It is a day of golf and football on television, of buying and selling in our stores and markets ... Our strength for the future, our resolution to grow the Church across the world, will be weakened if we violate the will of the Lord in this important matter. He has so very clearly spoken anciently and again in modern revelation. We cannot disregard with impunity that which He has said.' ('Look to the Future' Ensign Nov. 1997).
I love BYU football. No matter how poorly the team plays, I will support them. Since I am a huge fan, I know watching the games does not bring me to a state of relaxation as was reported to be the case in 'Finding Rest in Sunday Football.' My blood is always pumping hard after the usually exciting games. I am definitely not in a state of relaxation by the time the game is over. Thankfully, the Lord stated we should not watch football or any other inappropriate television program on His holy day (see Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p439).
According to the article 'Sunday sports an issue for LDS community,' Doug Jolley, former BYU football player and current NFL player, said 'he doesn't think a person's religious commitment can be directly related to their Sabbath observance.' I beg to differ. President Kimball said, 'The failure to keep the Sabbath holy is evidence of man's failure to meet the individual test set for each of us before the creation of the world, 'to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.'(Abr. 3:25.)' ('Why Call Me Lord, Lord, and Do Not the Things Which I Say?' Ensign, May 1975.)
Sabbath day observance is a sacrifice. We are to worship the only true and living God, not idols in the form of sports, vacations, money, etc. Yes, we have been given talents and we are told to develop them. Yes, we must provide for our family. But we have a choice in all of these areas. Our choices should always reflect the first and great commandment to love the Lord thy God and to have no other gods before him. After all, playing football is not the only talent NFL players are blessed to have. What was the purpose of attending BYU? Was there not an education that was attained in between football huddles? Use the degree from BYU to provide for your family and keep the Sabbath day holy as we are commanded.
It is not difficult to know the Lord's stance regarding Sunday. It is his day. Spending time with family on the Sabbath is a good thing, something we most definitely should do, but it is not the essence of complete worship. In the article, justification was made for professional football coaches and players to work on the Sabbath because they still spent time with their families. But complete obedience in honoring the Sabbath has more to do with devoting our time, talents and energies to worshiping the Lord. Our choice of conduct is in fact a sign unto Him as to where we place Him in our lives.
The Lord speaks through His chosen prophets. We can know his will by internalizing the teachings of the prophets. It is incredibly important to the Lord to keep the Sabbath day holy. By observing the Sabbath day, we show where our allegiance and loyalty are. (See Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 41).
I want to commend the athletes at BYU who remember to keep the Sabbath day holy and give up glorious careers in the spotlight. Thankfully the rugby team shows the proper example in eliminating Sunday play altogether. All of us need to examine our conduct on the Sabbath and learn what the Lord would have us do. The commandments of the Lord are just too important to ignore.
Diane Argyle
Renton, WA