The Pharisees had an inordinate affection for the Sabbath. They revered it to the neglect of greater principles. Their hair-splitting, legalistic attitudes caused them to exalt the Sabbath above compassion and love of brethren. When Jesus taught them on this subject and confirmed it with healing power. they, in many cases, were even more incensed against Him. The Sabbath was created for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Jesus emphasized this point when He told them about David and his men eating the shewbread without profaning.

The same principle applies in our day. The assembly (Lord's day "worship service") was instituted for man, and not man for the assembly. Hebrews l0:25 confirms this, clearly states the purpose of the assembly, and legalizes all honorable means to accomplish its purpose by encouraging us to think of ways to make the assembly serve the spiritual needs of man.

But, the same legalistic, hairsplitting attitude that the Pharisees had for the Sabbath is present today. In many cases the greater principle of "putting up with" and "accepting one another" is rejected in favor of ritualistic observances made compulsory by private interpretations of the Scriptures. This inordinate affection toward the Sunday assembly has caused many to value their opinions on "issues" above the greater principle of dwelling together in peace. Satan has conjured up many hair-splitting issues which brethren have used to rend the precious body of Christ. And much of this rending was done under the guise of keeping the Sunday "worship service" pure and holy. What a farce! Shame on someone.

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