Facet 4: Recreation

               Have you ever wanted to go on that grand vacation to a beach, or travel around Europe, or to take a drive on Route 66? Well, maybe taking the time for a vacation is something you need. I am not trying to sell you a vacation, I am talking about the fourth and final facet of rest.

               The fourth and final facet of rest is recreation. This would be the mental side of rest to help someone relax for a short time. For example, I enjoy playing golf. This game could last a few hours and helps this writer to get outside. A mental rest could also come from playing a game on the phone. A person’s phone can hold several games to play and enjoy. This can be a short-term distraction and help a person take a short break at work. People can take this principle from 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which says, “pray continually” (NIV, 1984). People believe that they cannot stop praying. Warren Wiersbe says, ‘“Pray without ceasing’ does not mean we must always be mumbling prayers. The word means ‘constantly recurring,’ not continuously occurring” (Wiersbe, 2010, p. 124). We do not have to continually be praying or mumbling words. It is okay to take a break. Now, this does not mean we take a break from our faith. Take time for golf, videogames, shopping, vacations, etc., but we are still with God.

               Taking a break from your job, studying, or whatever can help a person refocus on life. It is okay to play that game on your phone, use your PTO to go on a vacation, or read that book you have been wanting to read. As long as you are taking a break from the stress of life, it is okay. But remember, taking a break from the stress of life does not mean we take a break from God.

Recourse

               Scofield, C. I., English, E. S., Mason, C. E., Babb, W. S., & Karleen, P. S. (1984). Oxford NIV Scofield Study Bible: New International Version: New Scofield Study System with Introductions, Annotations, and Subject Chain References. Oxford University Press.

               Wiersbe, W. W. (2010). Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians): Living in Light of Christ’s Return. David C Cook.