Why we close early on Fridays and are closed on Saturdays

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Nature's Pantry has observed the seventh day sabbath (imperfectly) since its founding in 1986. 

In the book of Exodus, God 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." 

This is the fourth commandment that God gave us, and this is why we are closed on Saturday (seventh day of the week). The Bible defines the sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. This is why we close earlier on Friday in winter when sundown is earlier. 

We believe taking the seventh day off to rest each week is one of God's provisions for us. We find ourselves and our team to be happier and healthier. Maybe God knew we'd tend to overdo it, striving to get it all done seven days per week. 

Jesus said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). So, we believe He made it for us to rest and recharge, not as a burden or hardship. It's a day to connect with God and with one another, and it's a symbol of our trust in His mercy and provision.

Similar to paying tithe and trusting God with our money, the sabbath is trusting God with our time. Being closed on Saturday can certainly seem like a bad idea from a business perspective. Nevertheless, we believe there are more important things in life than business success, and we know we can trust God with our time and money. 

Now and then, our friends remind us that because of Jesus we are not under the law anymore but under grace. We agree! We also agree with the idea that being under grace does not mean we should continue disobeying (Romans chapters 5 & 6). 

We want to obey God (albeit, imperfectly); not to earn grace, but because of grace. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15). Not: keep the commandments to earn His love; but rather: keep the commandments in loving response to Him. And so then, it is our desire to respond to God’s grace in loving obedience, while at the same time, being so thankful for God's grace because we need it so much!

Yes, we are under grace and praise God for that! And because of this grace, it is our desire to strive to obey, not just the Fourth Commandment, but all Ten Commandments. Most of us wouldn’t argue that because of grace we should continue lying, stealing, coveting, murdering, or worshipping false gods. So then, is it appropriate to consider the fourth commandment in the same way?

God loves us and, just as a loving parent gives boundaries to protect their children, God has given us commandments, not to limit or harm us, but rather that in following them we may be blessed (Deut. 28, Acts 5:32, James 1:25). 

Thank you for your patience with us and many years of loving support. We pray that God may bless you, keep you and make His face shine upon you!