The Sabbath Principle

The Myth of Meritocracy Series Part 2

The ability to rest, and be well-rested, shouldn't be one where only a select few can partake. Part of the inner wrestling that may occur with understanding, accepting, and acting upon this fact is the evidence of meritocracy at work.  

Last week, we began the "myth of meritocracy" series. Our working definition of meritocracy is a system “that rewards merits (ability and effort) with success”. Anti-racist educator Tim Wise highlighted the harmfulness of this ideology because of its belief that "if you make it, it's because you worked hard, and if you don't make it, it's because you didn't work/try hard enough".  

This series attempts to gain a clear perspective as to why this form of ideology is harmful to the collective and specifically to the BIPOC community. This evening, we question how this shows up, especially in the intersection between merit, rest, and a healthy portrayal of the Christian Gospel. 

Does the belief that the ability to rest and be well-rested only belong to those who have proved their worthiness? To those who pray more? To those who come from a lineage of believers? To those who say or outwardly perform a certain way?  

Wouldn't this form of thinking reinforce a works-based/legalistic structure of Christian faith that is both Anti-Christ and the antithesis of the Gospel? A merit-centered faith believes in the false interpretation that works, many works, even great works must be done to be validated by God. A grace-centered faith believes that every good gift comes from God as an extension of love towards us-not due to our works. 

Meritocratic beliefs cannot exist amongst those who identify as Christ believers, and frankly anyone. Rest is not for those who deserve it, but rather it is for all, just as for abundance, access to social goods, etc.  

The word all is particularly iffy at times. It can overlook while also welcome. At this point in our country's history, to say that rest is meant for all is to welcome. 

Adopting the practice of rest for all ensures that the most marginalized in our community (here, the U.S. context) has the essential and divine right of rest. Especially for Black women and femmes who have held the crux of families, businesses, social movements, politics, the economy, and all while attempting to care and protect themselves, we/they must have rest. Rest is healing and necessary, and we should not wait until breaking points occur to declare this in thought and action. 

This is also why, especially as Sabbath-keepers, the Sabbath principle radically embodies this form of thinking that ensures rest for all. Exodus 20:8-11 says, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." 

From the family unit to the employers to the visitors, all were ensured 24 explicit hours of divine rest and a weekly lifestyle that continually provided a healthy rest/work balance. The Gospel advocates for the well-being of all- physically, mentally, financially, and socially.  

Because of that, we are strong advocates for equity and access for all. We relinquish a works-based/legalistic theology and embrace a Gospel-centered theology as the basis. Christ, as the foundation, is the giver of good gifts. Not by our works but because of His grace. 

We will rest. We must.