If the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
—Luke 12:39
How leisure time is spent greatly affects our characters. It has been said that “leisure hours are the hinge on which true education turns.” It is true that developing a person’s character is more important than training the mind and abilities. While a teacher can do much to stimulate and guide a student, every child has to work out his own character. It is in the leisure hours, when he is free from rules and observation, that a child shows what his true character is. This statement can also be applied to Christianity.
At Bible college, students will take time for their daily devotions as part of their regular routine. Their minds are geared for systematic work. They set aside time for devotions just as they do time for a class or private study.
When the time for vacation or a holiday comes and students are free to do exactly as they please, many find that the morning fellowship with God interferes with their holiday pleasure. The question of how we spend our leisure time is very important. It is then that we turn freely and naturally to what we love most.
A teacher in a large school in America is reported to have said, “The greatest difficulty with which we have to contend is the summer vacation. Just when we have brought a child to a good point of discipline, we lose him. When he comes back in the autumn, we have to begin and do it all over. The summer holiday simply demoralizes him.”
The sudden relaxation of habits and the subtle thought that perfect freedom to do as one likes means perfect happiness cause many young students to backslide in their Christian walks. The attainment of months may be lost by the neglect of a week. We do not know what time the thief will come. The spirit of the morning watch means unceasing vigilance all day and every day.
Do not think of asking for a holiday from this communion with God. Cherish holidays for the special time they give you to study beyond your ordinary Bible study course. Cherish your holidays for the opportunity of more fellowship with the Father. Instead of holidays becoming a snare, make them a blessed time for victory over self and the world, of increase in grace and strength.