Covenant Church

Suppose we agree that Time Off is taking a break, a temporary getting away, a vacation within context of honest commitment to life and responsibilities. Suppose we agree that Time Out is escapism, denial, and rejection, i.e., a vacation within the context of life to be lived for personal and selfish interests.

Let’s start with what we know. In ancient times man was nomadic. He did not know how to plant and harvest, control fire, or cook foods. Animals captured and domesticated were used for food or herded, probably eaten raw. Tents and makeshift shelters provided human cover, with travels being in the direction of berries, fruits, grass and other native and wild-grown foods for man and his animals.

After the development of the wheel, perhaps man’s greatest invention, travel became easier and hauling large loads was taken off human shoulders. Fire was domesticated, thus making it possible to cook impurities out of food. Agricultural development produced predictable crops and storage of food became a science.

Wealth began to divide the growing population of the earth. Wealth must be guarded. War became more of a science. Military and government structure evolved from tribal to feudal and from kings to kingdoms and nations. Wars were particularly useful for the victor to claim captured goods and possess slaves for free labor.

Money and power afforded summer homes and winter homes. Kings often had multiple palaces. The Book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, talks about houses with floors and ceilings suggesting that man had learned to build homes of fine quality. Archeological studies and historical documents affirm homes before Christ had baths with hot and cold water and plumbing very similar to modern gadgets.

Rome cleared the high seas of pirates. Folks could get on ships and travel to resort areas for a “vacation” or season with relative security.

We know from II Kings 4 that Elisha needed refreshment. He needed Time Off. Jesus was known to slip away in morning hours or go to Gethsemane or the mountains for privacy and Time Off.

Time Off is a good thing. It is a quiet retreat from the routine, a breather that allows perspective. It is gaining elevation to gain perspective. Time Off enables a person to think things through, to evaluate, to rest the body, to pray, to re-align priorities, and to return energized, focused, and more productive.

Time Out is the danger zone. Time Out is running away. Escape. Time Out is based in a dislike for the normal, a rejection for the way life is being lived, and a rejection of place in life and method of employment. Time Out is without commitment to others while in Time Out. Selfish interests are followed. Rules are broken. Involvements and experiences are self-serving, without thought of fulfilling godly responsibilities.

Time Off can be done in multiple ways. A few hours, just to ride, read, have lunch with a friend, sit in the park, throw a blanket on the grass and watch the sun go down, garden, ride a tractor, mow a lawn. What can you imagine would be refreshing to you?

Time Off may also be an extended trip, to mountains, ocean, historical sites, or zoos. Time Off may be staying at home and unplugging phones, stopping the mail, and pretending you are a thousand miles away.

Whatever you do, take Time Off with character. Keep Christ front and center. Honor Sundays. Don’t spend yourself into debt. Don’t take liberties that test your sanctified soul. Take your Bible with you. Make sure that you have arranged for others to fulfill your responsibilities at home, work, and church in your absence. Be a Christ witness to motel employees, attendants at public service areas, other travelers. Be alert for opportunities to share the gospel story. If your travel is extended, find a local church, get involved, be a volunteer. Remember that Time Off should not take us away from Jesus, but toward Jesus.

Come home re-charged – excited, refreshed, ready to serve God and others with greater zeal. Come back from Time Off with Jesus front and center. Come home from Time Off with new ideas about doing and being more generous for the causes close to Jesus’ heart.

Everyone needs Time Off. No one needs Time Out.
Thoughtfully,
Pastor Bare
Mark 1:35-39