Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 35 And the Lord said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.
Then again, you have the issue of relatives and family members who remain at home, while the heads of the family are at church. Any and every thing could be taking place under your roof, while you are at church singing hymns. There is great need of reform in these areas. Heads of households are responsible for whatsoever takes place in their homes over the sacred hours of the Sabbath. Therefore, if relatives are at home watching football, while the home owners are at church, and the homeowners are aware of these violations, they become partakers with their relatives in Sabbath breaking.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 307] Those who discuss business matters, or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon His holy day.
In closing, we are reminded that there is a right way to obey God in everything. Love is to be the motivating factor at all times, based upon an increasingly, intelligent understanding of His goodness and mercy towards us. And to those persons who had not known, and had not understood that the commandments were given for our best good, now is the time, when God is calling on you to stand up and be counted, for it is those who obey God in spirit and in truth who will eventually be saved in His kingdom. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that should encourage us to obey God the right way, for doing so with joy is the very essence of one’s relationship with Him, and would greatly enhance our understanding and appreciation of His character.
John 4: 23 But the hour comes and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!