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Is Vacation Biblical?

Summer = vacation in Europe.

Everything shuts down. Church services are smaller, friends are away, and relaxation begins.

It’s nice. Growing up in North America I did not experience the same amount of “vacation” feel, and I think I can definitely appreciate the holiday culture.

But it got me thinking. Did Jesus ever take vacation? Is it even biblical to go on holiday?

Vacation in the Bible

Well, the Bible does not discuss vacation as we know it, taking a few weeks to travel, sight see and get away from work. Seemingly, that is not really a concept in biblical times.

But what the Bible does talk a lot about is rest.

Spiritual, physical and emotional rest. And rest is a good thing. I think that is one of the primary reasons many of us take vacation. To get away from the day-to-day. To find rest. Whether that be in exploring new cultures, hiking through nature, or sitting on the beach.

And so to answer my question, is vacation biblical?

Well I think you can breathe easy knowing that rest is very biblical and vacation is intended for that. But, it does also bring some conditions with it –  namely that it be intentionally restful.

In the Bible we see some principles in which we can engage with to enter this rest.

1. Ceasing from Work (Sabbath)

Rest is a reminder that God is in control.

Many people go on vacation but will, for example, check email for their work. I understand that for some jobs it is not possible to disconnect, but for many people, I advise you to check your ego and disconnect. You are not that important. The work will go on without you. Disconnect and cease from work.

Stopping from work is an act of trust towards God, trusting that he will care for you and your work even when you are resting.

2. Delighting in God

Rest is also a time to delight in both God and his creation.

That means enjoying good company, good nature and God himself. John Piper coined the term Christian hedonism which is characterized by the phrase “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him” emphasizing the importance of joy in the Christian walk.

We are to delight in God and thank Him for all the things he has given us, and through that, find rest in Him.

3. Resting as Resistance

In John Mark Comer’s Book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” he states a quote from the theologian Dallas Willard stating that “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life.” 

When we deliberately choose to rest, to slow down, we make a deliberate step to resist the Western culture which idolizes busyness. Therefore, in any vacation you may take, I think it is good principle to emphasize slowing down. Yes, you can go sight see, and explore, but unless it fills you with rest and love, don’t try and overpack the schedule to “see it all.”

Vacation is meant to be a season of slowing down, of taking a deliberate stand against busyness, not filling it with busyness of a different kind. 

Conclusion

By focusing on these principles in your vacation, you can ensure that the time you take away is also a biblical time. A time when rest is emphasized, both spiritual and physical, and you can return re-energized. 

So if you are on vacation this summer, enjoy it, delight in God, and don’t forget to rest.

Until next time,

Be Blessed,

Aaron

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