Vacations are important times in all of our lives. They allow us to get away from the daily grind of our busy lives and spend some much needed time in rest, relaxation, and recreation. Whether it is time spent with family, enjoying some new adventure or activity, or just staying home and recuperating from life’s toil and tear; it is an absolute necessity. Even Jesus took time off to rest and reenergize.
That being said, a vacation from the weekly wrangling of life doesn’t justify a vacation from daily Christian service and devotion. Many clock out of work to leave for vacation and also vacate the household of Christ. After a long winter and spring in which I completed five full-time college classes in addition to all the other responsibilities I have, and a week at camp with fifty-eight teenagers, I need to get away. However, I want to share with you some of the things in which I will not be taking a vacation from:
I will not be taking a vacation from daily Bible study. I will be spending time each day searching the scriptures (Acts 17:11). I will be studying the Word of the Lord in order to better understand His will for me in my life.
I will not be taking a vacation from daily prayer. Jesus spent most all of His restful time in prayer with the Father. Daniel and David made it a habit (Daniel 6:10; Psalm 55:17). I need to remember that praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) includes while I am on vacation.
I will not be taking a vacation from assembling with the saints. I want to worship God and deem it a great privilege to do so. I will be in Bible Study and worship with fellow Christians Sunday and Wednesday because I need to be with my spiritual family for edification through fellowship.
I will not be taking a vacation from creating opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with others. As Christians we are to be seeking to share the gospel with all that will listen, both with our words and our actions (Matthew 28:19; 1 Timothy 4:16).
I will not be taking a vacation from encouraging others (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14).
I will not be taking a vacation from helping someone in need (Galatians 6:10).
I will not be taking a vacation from the physical, mental, and spiritual responsibility I have toward my family.
In short, I will not be taking a vacation from loving my God. I will put Him first in my life every day (Matthew 6:33). I will not be vacating the premises of the household of Christ.