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“Oh, Mom, my stomach hurts. I don’t think I can go to church this morning,” said almost every American child at some point during their childhood. Sunday sickness or Sunday illness can be related to two different conditions. In the previous example, Sunday sickness is a fictional ailment that strikes when church attendance is expected but not desired. It typically occurs early in the morning but does not impact the appetite or the individual’s ability to watch television, play video games, or engage in outdoor activities. The second definition of Sunday sickness pertains to the feeling of low spirits a person experiences on Sunday afternoon as they anticipate the upcoming workweek. It represents a mild form of depression that lingers until Monday morning.
Illness can be complex, making it challenging to determine its authenticity. Our minds can deceive us, and if we convince ourselves that we are unwell, we may actually manifest symptoms. A child who strongly opposes attending a church service might even induce vomiting, making their Sunday sickness a reality in that context. Similarly, a worker who despises their job may genuinely feel despondent at the thought of Monday morning, lacking enthusiasm for Sunday afternoon activities. They may genuinely feel unwell.
Another aspect worth considering is Satan’s involvement in Sunday sickness. According to Scripture, Satan and his demons actively work to obstruct God’s plan and harm His people (1 Peter 5:8;Luke 22:31). It is plausible that demonic attacks contribute to certain cases of Sunday sickness as the adversary endeavors to deter individuals from hearing God’s Word “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”, (1 Thessalonians 2:18).
However, the most likely explanation for Sunday sickness is the inclination of our sinful nature. Children who have not yet matured in their faith may view church attendance as a burden that deprives them of playtime. Christian parents should recognize the sinful tendencies in their children and not permit them to gratify their selfish desires regularly. Adults who succumb to Sunday sickness also need to examine their hearts. Jeremiah 17:9 cautions us that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (ESV).
If we have developed a habit of using Sunday sickness as a pretext to avoid something God requires of us, we should pose some introspective questions:
1. Am I letting my relationship with God grow cold? (Revelation 2:4-5)
2. Have I become so prideful that I think I can do without the companionship and responsibility of other Christians? «not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. », (Hebrews 10:25)
3. Should I consider finding a different church where I can thrive and eagerly anticipate attending?
4. Am I allowing my decisions to be influenced by my sinful nature or by the Holy Spirit? « This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. », (Galatians 5:16,25) «If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. », (Galatians 5:16,25)
Those experiencing Sunday afternoon sickness may consider these questions:
1. Am I striving to honor God in my work or studies every day? «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31)
1. So, do everything to the glory of God. «(1 Corinthians 10:31)
2. Could God be asking me to develop endurance at this place where He has me? «knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. », (James 1:3)
3. Are my feelings a reflection of an ungrateful spirit? Should I be thanking God rather than feeling glum? «In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. », (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
4. Am I lying about being sick instead of being honest about my feelings? «Lie not to one another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; », (Colossians 3:9)
Sunday sickness is a “real thing” in that it prevents sufferers from engaging in all God has for them. Whether Sunday sickness is a true physical malady or simply a figment of the imagination, the results are the same. Christians are reminded that to be in Christ means we have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” «And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. », (Galatians 5:24). To follow Christ wholeheartedly means our sinful flesh does not get a vote. When we stop listening to it, we may find that our Sunday sickness has been cured.
