Today in the United States, a three day holiday weekend (for Labor Day on Monday) effectively marks the end of summer. As I anticipate going to church, I know I’ll see fewer people there.
I’m bothered over the low attendance. And I’m bothered that it bothers me.
Growing up, only two things kept me from church. If I wasn’t deathly ill or in the hospital, I was at church every Sunday. My parents wouldn’t have it any other way.
Their fervor instilled in me an unwavering habit of Sunday church attendance.
So, it troubles me to see others who view church as just one of many options for a Sunday morning, even on a holiday weekend.
However, I’m also troubled over my legalistic dedication. After all, Jesus came to set us free from the law. Going to church out of a guilt-produced obligation, certainly isn’t free.
I shouldn’t judge others for their freedom to skip church, which is really what I’m doing. Yet, I also know the Bible says to not give up meeting together.
I think the right attitude is this: we do indeed have the freedom to take a vacation from church, but if church is truly all he intended it to be, why would we want to?
[Romans 8:2 and Hebrews 10:25]
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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6 replies on “Should You Ever Take a Vacation From Church?”
“24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Not going to church on a long holiday weekend, or not going to your church (some may be visitors elsewhere), is not the same as making a habit of giving up meeting together. This is a long holiday weekend and many take advantage of the time to get away and they don’t attend church. Maybe they do take break from church attendance on that day. But they plunge right back into service when they get back.
Next week choir starts. Word of Life/AWANA etc., starts. School starts.
Our church is not having Sunday School this week because so many of the teachers are gone….and that is the operative word – Gone. Away.
Sometimes we want to put our fences around other people.
Another good question might be… When we take a vacation, should we also take a vacation from giving to our local church?
Ann, that’s a great question. A related one is if you visit another church while on vacation, should you give to them instead?
When I was in college, one of leaders at the Navigators said, “Support your local sheriff.” Meaning you should give locally to those who serve your own church. My primary responsibility is to give to my local church (and through them, missions, etc.). When I go on vacation, I should give a small offering to the church I attend, just as I might give a free will offering at a concert. But my support should go to the local congregation and ministers.
That seems like a wise approach.