“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:8–9
The devil never takes a vacation.
Overconfidence, coupled with negligence, can lead to sad consequences. This is the case when a person is so sure of himself that he becomes careless about little things that may pose a threat. For example, in July 1911, a stuntman named Bobby Leach went over Niagara Falls in a specially designed steel drum and lived to tell about it. Although he suffered minor injuries, he survived because he recognized the tremendous dangers involved in the feat, and because he had done everything he could to protect himself from harm.
Several years after that incident, while skipping down the street in New Zealand, Bobby Leach slipped on an orange peel, fell, and badly fractured his leg. He was taken to a hospital where he later died of complications from the fall. He received a greater injury walking down the street than he sustained in going over Niagara Falls. He was not prepared for danger in what he assumed to be a safe situation.
Overconfidence is a dangerous thing. Things are going well, everything is right, and everything is on track. It is often during these “safe times” that we are most vulnerable to the devil’s attacks. One such safe time is during vacations.
Vacations are great because they provide time away from work, away from the everyday routine, and extra time to spend with family. But with that extra time comes a relaxation physically and sometimes spiritually.
I cannot tell you how many Christians I have witnessed over the years who went on vacation from work and took a vacation from God as well. They stopped reading their Bible, and praying. Many times, they excuse it as a “break from everything,” but even during our vacations, the devil never takes a break.
Notice our verse today, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil never takes a vacation. While you are out relaxing and “getting away from it all,” the devil is working harder than ever to ruin your marriage, fragment your family, and draw you into sin.
Think about the times you go on vacation. Do you seem more lax in your Christian life? Do not allow the devil a foothold in your life while you are on vacation, or anytime of the year! Do everything you can to continue your daily walk with God. In fact, pick up some godly books to read on vacation to help better your role as a parent, spouse, or Christian. Rather than taking a break from your Christian life, let God grow you during times of rest.