"Where will we go this
summer?" In many homes this is a big question this time of year. The
husband will have a few weeks off, the wife longs for a change, and the
children will be out of school and home at least part of the time, even if they
work or go to summer school.
For most of us, vacation time is
the one time of the year when the pressure is off. We can relax; we can do what
we want to do; we can go where we want to go. That is natural,
and a change can be very beneficial. However, we will get the most out of it if
we will take into account not only our physical, mental, and emotional needs
but also our spiritual needs and opportunities.
As believers we have been taught
and are assured that we ought to pray, seeking guidance from God our Father
when we make decisions. If there is one area in which dependent prayer and
waiting on the Lord seem to be overlooked, it is planning vacations.
Commonly, we lament the lack of
time during our working days to cultivate spiritual growth and to "do the
work of an evangelist." Now, in our vacation time, it can be different.
What opportunity there is now for this! Let us not think for a moment that the
two are incompatible:a vacation trip and attention to the interests of the
Lord Jesus our Saviour. No, not at all. In fact, we will only obtain the
physical and emotional rest which we may crave as we renew and strengthen
through communion with God our Father and the Lord Jesus those inner vital
qualities of faith, joy, and peace.
Attending a Bible Conference is
a valuable way of spending a part, at least, of a vacation with the family. We
do need to be together with other Christians in these spiritually dark last
days. Or try to arrange your vacation so as to be near an assembly of believers
or isolated saints for mutual edification and remembering the Lord together.
As we think of how short time is
(think how it has flown by since last vacation!) in the light of eternity, our
Lord’s coming being so near at hand, let us think of those around us yet in
their sins—"without Christ . . . having no hope, and without God in the
world." Remember that we are debtors unto all men to make known the
gospel. Never was there greater need than today. The love of God is real; death
and judgment are real also. Pray for a greater love for souls, and as there is
opportunity speak to others about the Saviour. Plan time for this especially on
your vacation. It is a challenge, isn’t it!
Plan to take along a generous
supply of good gospel tracts and any extra Sunday school papers you may have
available. Remember you are sowing in faith. The Lord may give you golden
opportunities which you will never have again. Put some tracts in the glove compartment,
perhaps, to have ready for those who service your car, take your money at the
toll booths, and give you a motel room.
Perhaps you haven’t the courage
to walk up to people and hand them tracts. You may fear rebuffs or scornful
comments. Until you gain, with the Lord’s help, this courage and overcome these
fears, you may find it easier to go to a shopping center and put tracts in
cars. This is a gospel activity which can be done year around in most places,
but the summer time is ideal in that most of the car windows will be open, a
crack at least, and the tracts can be put inside the cars rather than on the
windshields which may be unlawful in some places.
One more word:brother, sister,
whatever your vacation plans may involve, we earnestly appeal to you to set
aside part of the time for being alone—alone with God and the Lord Jesus. Spend
time on your knees and with the Bible before you. This is absolutely necessary
for spiritual growth. Our blessed Lord as a Man here on earth is our great
example, for the Gospels note frequently His being alone with God, His Father.
For example, Mark 1:35:"And in the morning, rising up a great while
before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there
prayed"; and Matthew 14:23:"And when He had sent the multitudes
away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray:and when the evening was come,
He was there alone." Then too, in Mark 7, when one who could neither hear
nor speak aright was brought to the Lord Jesus, he was taken aside from the multitude
and a wonderful change was effected in him by divine grace.
Consider these thoughts when
praying about and planning your vacation. Then, driving carefully, and
observing the traffic signs, in the Lord’s mercy you will return home safely,
refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take up your work again, the new nature
brightened as well as the body and mind. You will be glad that the Lord was
honored on your vacation. To Him be all glory!
"Therefore, my beloved
brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1
Cor. 15:58).
(Reprinted,
with modifications, from May 1967 Words of Truth.)