It’s a simple math problem, 6+1, yet our inability to understand it is killing us.

Written in Creation is a basic rhythm of life—work 6, rest 1. Long before the Old Testament Law was written, this order was placed in God’s creation.

Ignore the 6 and we will wither away from a lack of exertion and an absence of meaning.

Ignore the 1 and we will burnout and implode from an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Work 6, rest 1, and we will understand our God given responsibilities without forgetting that we are not God; we will exert energy and recover so we can grow stronger while also replenishing our resources.

We have forgotten this order so we cannot pass it on to our kids. We are unknowingly demanding a 7+0 lifestyle where we expect exertion from them every day without any chance of rest, enjoyment and being. Sure, much of that exertion is done under the name of fun. Yet wearing a uniform and being expected to produce is not God’s idea of rest.

At the same time, a day of rest is not laying on the couch and staring blankly at a t.v.

The Biblical idea of Sabbath is about joy. It’s about a day where we find more meaning in being rather than producing. It’s about a whole day set aside to seek beauty, love, joy, and fun without the pressures of winning, strategizing, or defeating. It’s about enjoying what God has created, who He is, and what He has already done for us.

Imagine if you took one day a week and refused to toil, refused to work, refused to do anything except that which connects you with God, His creation, and family and friends.

Imagine a day which began with corporate worship, included family and friends together having fun, and was centered around a meal and togetherness. This is the old picture of Sabbath. This is natural order which God has created. We have chosen a different rhythm at our own peril.

It’s sad what we have done to ourselves, but what is worse is we are passing this lifestyle on to our kids.

• When does your child find joy in being over producing?
• When does your child explore what God has created?
• When does your child spend time with you when you aren’t teaching, coaching, or demanding?
• When does your child see you laugh and play?

These are a few things we give up when we trade God’s rhythm of 6+1 for a 7+0 lifestyle.

It’s pretty simple math and it’s the first math problem our children should learn.

6+1= is God’s design.