7 Perspectives on Travel for Believers
As the final days of summer inch nearer and nearer, you may be planning to squeeze in one more week (or long weekend!) of travel days! Before you pack your bags and hit the road, take a look at seven lessons I’ve learned in the past and look forward to in the near future all about travel; it truly is a gift from God to experience new cultures and soak in God’s creation. Let’s dive in!
1
The Beauty of Creation. A change in geography—whether by car, train, boat, or plane—God’s Creation is diverse and amazing.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
2
Uniqueness of People. It’s easy to get stuck in our own comfort zone of familiarity. Travel forces us to encounter different people with diverse cultures. It’s a reminder of Heaven being full of people from all around the robe with the same white robes enjoying the one, true God together in worship!
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes. Revelation 7:9
3
Opportunity to Show Love to Others. In our own environment it is easy to get into patterns and habits. Travel creates opportunity to meet new people and have opportunities to show love. Mission trips, disaster relief, and service projects are amazing ways to intentionally show love in new places to new faces.
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Romans 13:9
4
Opportunity to Receive Love from Others. As we meet new people we encounter loving words and actions that we would’ve missed if we simply stayed at home. God can teach us and grow us so much through our relationships with people all over the world.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
5
Ways to Share the Good News. Almost 2 Billion people in the world have never heard the name of Jesus. How will they hear if we don’t go?
you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8
6
Humility from Our Own Smallness. This world is a BIG place. Traveling a great and humbling reminder about the bigness of God and His amazing Creation.
Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.” Daniel 10:12
7
Gratitude for Our Own Blessings. As we travel we often realize how blessed we are. We take so much for granted simply out of familiarity. May God give us eyes to see our blessings and a consistent attitude of gratitude.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Have you traveled recently? The next time you hit the road, whether down an old country road or into a new city, state, or country may God show you how amazing He is as you go!