When Going on Vacation . . .

We are approaching a great time of the year, especially to those who are in any way connected with school. While we may not take the “dream vacation,” many of us will travel during the summer. As we do, in addition to keeping physically safe, let us make sure we also do the following.

Stay Faithful to God

The main reason for vacations is to get away and relax from our normal schedule (even though the “relax” part is not always the case). However, because we leave behind the “normal” activities of our lives does not mean we leave behind the Lord! When we became Christians we were “crucified with Christ” so that the life we now live, we live “by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20, NKJ). We belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20), not to ourselves. As we travel, therefore, let us find a faithful congregation of the Lord’s people if possible, and if not, let us make provisions to worship God with our family members. There is no vacation from the Lord, and when we love Him, “His commandments are not burdensome” (1 Jn. 5:3).

Support the Home Congregation

Though we may take off for a week or two, the local congregation of which we are members, still needs our support. Good works must continue (cf. Gal. 6:10; Tit. 3:8), and the preacher still needs support (cf. 1 Cor. 9:11-14). Whether the elders set the budget on a weekly or monthly basis, our contributions are vital to meeting that budget. In many congregations, the bulk of the contributors come from a small percentage of members. When these members leave for a trip and don’t leave behind their contribution, the congregation’s finances suffer, which means, to a certain extent, that its work is hindered. While it is true that some who travel make up for missed contributions when they return, too often the funds are no longer available. Like anything else, contributing to the Lord takes planning, or purposing in our heart (2 Cor. 9:7). Before traveling, why not post date a check and give it to the elders? In so doing, we would show our priorities (Mt. 6:33).

Have Fun

The whole idea of getting away is to have fun with family and friends. Some people have the warped idea that true Christianity does not allow us to have fun. Such, of course, is not true. This principle was articulated by Solomon, when he told the young man to “Rejoice...in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes” (Eccl. 11:9a). Is not Solomon telling this young man to have fun? Would not the same principle apply no matter how old we are? There is, though, a qualifying factor that applies even to vacations: “But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment” (Eccl. 11:9b). Our fun should not include those things that are out of harmony with God’s will. When our vacations are filled with good, clean fun and faithfulness to God and His church, our spirits will be recharged, and we will be better able to continue fighting “the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12).