DOES GOD GO ON VACATION?

School is out, or soon will be. We are in that time of year that families generally take their vacations. It is good to get away and relax. It is important for families to spend time together. If you are planning a trip or vacation with your family in the coming weeks, I pray you have a safe and enjoyable time. However, I would like for you to think about the question above: Does God go on vacation? As you plan your family events, think about a few things.

Does God go on vacation with regard to time? When you are planning your vacation itinerary, do you include God? Do you make find a congregation in the area and make plans to attend all the services? Some will not go at all; some will attend the Sunday morning service. As you are scheduling your daily events, do you set aside some time for Bible study and family devotions? I fear that too often we make our vacation plans either without God, or we give Him some time if there is any left over. What if God took that same approach toward us? We would be in a sad condition indeed. As you are making your summer plans, be sure to include God on your schedule?

Does God go on vacation with regard to work? The work of the local congregation continues. There are classes to be taught, worship services to be led, good works to do. The leaders here need to know they can count on you. As stated earlier, family time to relax is important. However, you need to be careful not to be away too much. I have known of families who plan trips just about every weekend during the summer with the explanation, “We can’t do this during the school year.” Is that the best attitude to have? I would also like to make a suggestion to make things easier for those that are here. When you are going to be gone and will be unable to fulfill a responsibility, let the proper people know. It will be easier for them to find someone to fill in if they know about your absence beforehand. As you are making your summer plans, be sure to remember your responsibility to the work here.

Does God go on vacation with regard to giving? In many congregations, two things drop during the summer months: attendance and giving. Why does the giving drop? Generally, there are two reasons. First, some budget for vacation and leave God out. You should not take from God to pay Mickey, Minnie, and Donald. Second, some will fail to give while they are away. You should make the necessary arrangements to give your offering even when you are gone. You can do this by giving it before you go or when you return. Others will give it to someone to place in the basket for them. However you do it, it needs to be done. As you make your summer plans, be sure to plan your giving.

This summer, do not take a vacation from God.
--Lamar