Is it okay for a Christian to take a vacation?

what does the bible say?

The biblical answer to whether or not a Christian can take a vacation is rooted in the ideas of rest and stewardship. Vacations, or "holidays" as they are called in some parts of the world, are not mentioned in the Bible; but specific times of rest are discussed, as is stewardship of time and money. The Sabbath was intended to be a time to worship, rest, and find restoration. We show a trust in God for His provision by not working; we rely upon Him to reenergize our bodies, minds, and spirits; we worship Him; and we receive His refreshment. Vacation can be a means of experiencing this rest and refreshment.

from the old testament

The idea of Sabbath, or taking one day a week to rest from labor, was established by God as He concluded His week of creation. He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3) and instructed His people to do the same (Exodus 20:8–11).We are created to have rhythms of work and rest. For example, we rest every day through sleep. It isn't that rest, whether daily, weekly, or annually, is our goal, but finding a balance of work and rest gives us a harmony with God's intentions (Psalm 90:12, see also Ephesians 5:15–17).

from the new testament

The meaning of the Sabbath has been fulfilled in Jesus (Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 3:7—4:13), and it is no longer a requirement for Christians. However, the principle remains important. Though in Jesus' day the Sabbath had become a burden of strict rules to follow, it was meant to be a gift to us (Mark 2:27).Jesus often removed Himself from the crowds and even from His disciples to rest and draw close to the Father (Luke 5:16). We are to see Him as a model as He was perfect. He sometimes instructed and invited His disciples to join Him in going away to rest (Mark 6:31). Jesus and His disciples did not always work; instead, they sometimes took time away.We are also instructed to be wise stewards of our finances and time. It is not godly to pay for a vacation by going into debt (Romans 13:8).

implications for today

Taking a vacation is a valuable opportunity for rest, reflection, and intentional relationship-building, but it’s important to submit your plans to God and approach it with a heart of gratitude and purpose. Whether you’re traveling far or enjoying a staycation, invite God into your vacation plans, asking Him to guide you toward rest and renewal. Use the time to connect with the Lord and seek ways to deepen your relationships with others through intentional conversations and activities. While resting and recharging, also consider how to serve others or engage in purposeful growth during your time off. Disconnect from distractions, focusing on what truly matters, and remember to give thanks for the gift of rest and the opportunity to reconnect with both God and those you love. Through it all, ensure that your vacation is an extension of living out Colossians 3:17, glorifying God in every word and deed. When planning a time of rest, we should also strive to create affordable, restorative vacations for ourselves and our family. Spending money on vacation is not wrong; the time to build on important relationships, be restored and rested, and experience new venues is worth the financial investment. Ask God for wisdom when planning a vacation (James 1:5) and enjoy!