A Sabbath question

[Somerset]

I own a small healthfood shop. I won't open on Sundays, not even if Christmas eve is a Sunday. I will also not do outside shows and such. I'm happy to go in to switch the air con on and off (small shop + big windows + several fridges and freezers) or to do an order if I have been away for a few days (don't like doing this but necessity).

My question concerns my community notice board. I'm unsure as to whether I should display adverts for events taking place on a Sunday. I have explained to people why I won't open on a Sunday - but am looked at as if I have two heads: probably because the local liberal churches have no problem attending events on Sundays.

 

[Scott1]

You are to be commended for taking commandment four seriously.

This is a difficult application question, so please don't accept this as the definitive biblical way, there is, admittedly, some room for judgment here, and we ought not focus on hypothetical and somewhat abstract application as it tends to unnecessarily divide.

My thought is, only a thought is do not advertise "Sunday only" events that likely violate the sabbath (recreation, entertainment). But if the event is lawful and wholesome and good, and is on multiple days, post it with your good faith effort to, when it is reasonably within your power, to engage the one who posts the material about how you ordinarily rest on Sunday, etc.

My thinking here is a mere mention plants a seed, it does not have to be an exhaustive doctrinal description to a stranger.

So, for an example:

1) A Sunday football game, buy tickets for it, drink beer at it, etc. NO
2) A beneficial week long community event YES (but seek to engage, if reasonably within your power, if only a brief mention to the one who posts it)

This will also have the good side benefit of using some care in evaluating what you are promoting (by allowing the dissemination), and may lead to other opportunities to engage people with biblical principles.

 

[Tim]

Might you put a well-made, prominent sign saying something like this:

"We kindly ask that individuals not post for events that take place on the Lord's Day (Sunday)"

---------- Post added at 06:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 AM ----------

Do people post the adverts on their own, or do they give them to you?

If people do it themselves, then you would be "within your right" to remove them if they are for the Lord's Day. I know that it is your right because it is your shop, but you know what I mean - it would have been explained beforehand.

 

[Moireach]

Hi Ken.

I do think it would be a breach of the commandment to allow posters advertising Sabbath events on your shop window. It's the same as urging people to go personally yourself in my opinion.