The question of whether a Christian should take a vacation is one that does not have a definitive yes or no answer according to the Bible. There are various factors to consider when determining if and when it may be appropriate for a believer to take time off for rest and recreation.
The Concept of Sabbath Rest
One relevant biblical principle is the concept of Sabbath rest. The fourth of the Ten Commandments given to Moses states, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, ESV). God instituted a day of rest on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3), and in the Ten Commandments and throughout Scripture, His people are commanded to set aside one day per week for ceasing from work.
In addition to weekly Sabbath rest, God also instituted sabbatical years for the land every seven years (Leviticus 25:1-7) and the Year of Jubilee every 50 years for His people to take extended time for renewal. Jesus stressed the importance of rest, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The principle of Sabbath and extended rest is woven throughout Scripture.
Some Christians draw the application that periodic vacations can be a form of extended Sabbath rest. Just as God instituted mandatory rest from labor for a day and season each week, year, and 50 years, so also, appropriate vacation periods can be a way for believers to practice additional Sabbath renewal.
The Role of Work
Another relevant biblical theme is the role and purpose of work. After creating mankind, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Work was part of God’s good design for human flourishing prior to the Fall. The Apostle Paul encourages believers, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Work is important and good in its proper place.
However, due to the effects of the Fall, work also became laborious and fruitless (Genesis 3:17-19). After a period of work, rest is needed to refresh, rejuvenate, and restore. As Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, “Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” Vacations can provide needed breaks from the fatigue and frustration of work in a fallen world.
Jesus’ Practice of Rest and Retreat
Jesus Himself modeled a lifestyle of work and rest during His earthly ministry. He actively preached the gospel, healed the sick, fed the hungry, cast out demons, and performed miracles. Yet amidst His busy ministry activities, Jesus would frequently withdraw to desolate places for periods of prayer, refreshment, and renewal (Luke 5:16, Matthew 14:13, 23). Jesus balanced intensive seasons of work with extended times away in prayerful retreat.
Jesus cautioned His disciples, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). He did not model a life of luxury and leisure, but He did regularly take time to rest from the demands of ministry. Following Jesus’ example, appropriate vacations can be seen as necessary times of refreshment between periods of work.
Prudent Planning
Taking the above principles into account, the Bible does not prohibit vacations but rather gives wisdom for planning them prudently. For example, believers should be careful not to neglect family responsibilities or important work duties just to go on vacation. Paul instructs, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).
Also, vacations should be undertaken within one’s financial means. The Bible consistently warns against debt as a form of bondage (Proverbs 22:7). If an expensive vacation has to be financed with substantial debt, it may be wiser to forgo it or plan a more modest getaway. Lavish vacations that flaunt wealth are cautioned against (James 5:5).
Furthermore, Christians should ensure their vacation plans do not compromise their Christian witness. Participating in foolish, immoral, or illegal behaviors can ruin a believer’s testimony (Ephesians 5:15-17). A wise steward will plan vacation activities thoughtfully.
Benefits of Vacation
Taking biblical principles into account, vacations can hold several benefits for believers and need not be avoided altogether. First, vacations allow for renewal and refreshment. The pace of everyday life with its deadlines, pressures, and demands often takes a toll. Periodic vacations provide a change of scenery and pace that allows the mind, body, and spirit to recharge.
Second, vacations foster opportunities for fellowship and bonding with family and friends; they provide relaxation to counterbalance life’s stresses. Leisurely meals, shared recreation, and conversation enrich relationships.
Third, during vacations believers can experience and appreciate God’s beauty and creativity in new settings. Appreciating God’s handiwork in nature and people from other cultures broadens perspective and understanding.
Fourth, vacations create space for reflection and prayer that often gets crowded out by daily routines. Special memories and refreshed vision for life can result.
Fifth, entire families can get away together on vacation. These shared experiences enrich family bonds and create meaningful memories.
In summary, provided they are handled wisely, vacations can hold great value for believers. But wisdom and stewardship should guide decisions about if and how often they are taken.
Maintaining Perspective
A balanced, biblical view recognizes that this earth is not a believer’s permanent home. Christians are told, “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Believers are just strangers passing through this temporary world.
Therefore, while vacations can provide needed rest and enrichment, they should not be viewed as the pinnacle of life. Wise believers will maintain perspective: “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). The joys and comforts of this life all fade in comparison to the eternal hope of heaven.
Overall, vacations can be appreciated as gifts from God, but they should be engaged with thoughtfulness. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Even vacations present opportunities to honor Christ and live out biblical principles if wisely undertaken.
In conclusion, the Bible does not forbid vacations but gives principles to guide wise practice. Vacations can provide renewal and enrichment within limits. With prudent planning, and maintaining proper perspective, vacations can be appreciated as gifts from God to be enjoyed in balance with life’s responsibilities.
