There are some cultural issues faced by Christians in the west that are not specifically addressed by Scripture. Issues related to technology, climate change, wedding procedures, retirement, and the observance of certain holidays like Christmas or Halloween require the use of biblical principles for guidance.

With this in mind, how should believers think about vacations? "Vacation" comes from the word vacate, which primarily has the idea of annulment or legal cancellation. So, a "vacation" by strict definition means to cancel your presence from the premesis of day-to-day life. However, we typically think of the word more positively, i.e., taking time off from one’s regular employment for rest or pleasure.

How should we think biblically about vacations? After all, does not the Bible call us to persevere in our work and avoid sloth? Did not Solomon warn, "A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber." (Proverbs 24:33-34) Obviously, we understand that a person’s faithfulness and perseverance isn’t “vacated” by taking a vacation. In addition, here are three principles to apply to your vacation to keep it in line with Scripture:

1. Don’t leave God at home.

A person’s faith should follow them wherever and whenever they go. It is a questionable faith that leaves God behind and spends time away without any bother about spiritual things. What kind of Christian going on vacation would leave their Bible at home, cease prayer, and never give thought to their relationship with Christ? True Christianity is lived out daily whether at work or on vacation. Ask yourself, “Do I vacate my time in God’s Word and in prayer when I’m away?” If so, you need to revaluate your relationship with the Lord.

2. Don’t forget to rest.

Have you ever heard someone say they needed a vacation after their vacation? Their time away was so full of activities and recreation that they never truly rested their bodies. Our Lord once said to His disciples, “'Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while'” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." (Mark 6:31) Jesus understood the importance of resting the body. If your vacation increases your level of stress and gives no relief to your physical well-being, is it really a vacation?

3. Don’t overspend.

Vacations can be really expensive. For this reason, my wife and I have always purposely set aside funds for vacation. Don't go into debt in order to spend time away. The Bible has plenty to say about this. For example, Proverbs 13:16 says, “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness.” And Jesus said, "'For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?'" (Luke 14:28) This biblical wisdom applies whether it's a construction project or a vacation: count the cost and plan ahead. Financial stress can easily hinder one’s ability to enjoy vacations. It’s one thing to come back from vacation broke, and another thing to return with great debt.

So then, three principles to take with you on vacation this summer: Don’t stress your relationship with the Lord Don’t stress your body; and Don’t stress your bank account.