Thought For The Week

Vacation season is upon us! Soon we will hit the highways, byways, and airways, heading to far away destinations. With great expectations we’ll travel to our favorite vacation spots for fun, adventure, rest and relaxation. Finally, after a long winter, we can forget about work and life’s dreary obligations for a week or two. In our Americanized state of mind, we have come to believe that we deserve a break from the norm and long to get away from it all. Not only do we take one or two weeks for vacation, but must include several weekend getaways as well. It is true that there are times when we need a break. Jesus and His disciples took time to rest from the work of ministry (Mark 6:31) and we too need to take time to relax and refresh ourselves.

Sadly, as many Christians head out to make memories in distant places, they take a vacation from the Lord as well. Sundays are spent doing vacation stuff instead of meeting with the saints and worshipping our Mighty God. There is no singing, no praying, no sharing of the scriptures, no remembrance of Christ with the Lord’s Supper. When we do this, we make a conscious and willing decision to neglect corporate worship which is sinful according to Hebrews 10:23-31. Jesus calls us to be His disciples every day (Luke 9:23) which certainly includes Sundays during our vacation.

While online booking our hotels and making reservations, finding a place to worship should be included as part of our vacation planning. The experience of meeting and worshipping with a congregation in other places can be very rewarding. If we return to the same location yearly, we can develop relationships with Christians there and enjoy Christian fellowship while at our favorite vacation spot. Let’s not ever take a vacation from Jesus!

Jay Launius - 2023 Maud church of Christ, Maud, Texas