You can be a strong believer and follower of Christ, but yet intrigued by the practice of the latest cultural fad. When a new trend bursts into the society, it demands everyone’s attention and affection.
You can be a strong believer and follower of Christ, but yet intrigued by the practice of the latest cultural fad. When a new trend bursts into the society, it demands everyone’s attention and affection. This fad creates a craze and makes everyone quick to jump toward it. You follow this fad because everyone around you is. But, as a Christian, are you allowed to be like the others?
I took this idea of a fad to illustrate the trend of traveling and exploring the world. Now, let me make it clear to you: I’m not replicating what the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres said – “you are committing a sin every time you board a plane.” There are no Biblical moral obligations to boycott air travel and traveling is not a symptom of a sinner’s life. I’m not prohibiting believers from traveling (and who am I to do that), but I’m talking about the implications when you travel and forget your identity as a Christian.
Life is getting busier and more tiring! Vacations then become the recharge we need. That’s a normal part of life. But, what happens when this part of life changes your entire life?
Regardless of who we are, when we are traveling to unknown places and discovering unknown cultures, we might fall prey to the world’s lure and craze and drift away from our Christian faith. Many believers think of traveling as a means to spread God’s word, but deep down, unknowingly, without paying careful attention, they can open a door to the pleasures of this world and close the door to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a common danger that all believers face when traveling.
If you do not want to disconnect with God and fall short of His glory, make sure you follow these Christian guidelines.
Do Not Lose Your Temper
I don’t need to carry out a survey to know that most people face certain problems during their travels. It can start way before you even board the place; using a complex algorithm of importance and size, you’ll have to cram in your clothing in your suitcase. The trip can go hay way when you miss the flight itself. And, even when you didn’t miss it, you might still be annoyed with your co-traveler.
The worst is when you realize the reality of the hotel is a far cry from their online profile. The hotel rooms are not posh and spacious, but musty, mildewy and unbearably noisy. Of course, a breeding room for bedbugs cannot be compared with falling prey to pickpockets or getting in trouble with a foreign country’s laws.
Despite prayers and preparations, if things are not going as planned, please don’t lose your temper or lash out on your travel buddy. When you are faced with such complicated situations, remember the following verse:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– From Philippians 4:6-7
Visiting and Bowing to Other Religious Shrines and Temples
When you are playing the tourist, the wanderlust control in you will drive you to explore more about a country’s cultural heritage. If you are, for example, on a trip to India, Thailand or China, people will say it’s a must to visit the shrines and temples of these countries.
But, as a Christian, did you know that if you indulge in this activity, you will be compromising your Christian faith?
These are not my words, but God’s.
“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
– From 1 Corinthians 10:14
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
– From Deuteronomy 5:7 / Exodus 20:3
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
– From John 4:24