A vacation from my problems ... you bet I will.

Dave Ramsey addresses short-term missions trips while still in debt. Of great value is the distinction he makes between two kinds of mission trips. (HT Oilcan)

No "Christian Vacations" While You Get Out Of Debt

Billy asks if you can still go on mission trips while you’re on Baby Step 2. Dave says there are two types of mission trips: Christian vacations and true mission trips.

QUESTION: Billy asks if you can still go on mission trips while you’re on Baby Step 2. Dave says there are two types of mission trips: Christian vacations and true mission trips.

ANSWER: Well, Billy, there are two kinds of missions trips. There are missions trips that are Christian vacations. And everybody wants to go on a mission trip, and it’s a little Christian vacation, and we feel like we did something good, so we don’t feel too guilty for going on vacation. But it’s vacation. And it’s vacation with a Bible. I know that because I’ve watched my brothers and sisters in Christ do that for years. And no, you’re not going on that kind of a mission trip when you’re in debt. Get yourself straightened up, kiddo.

The second kind of mission trip is you have a strong enough walk with God that you are 1000% sure He’s telling you that this is something you’re supposed to do. Dude, I’m not getting in the way of that. Go do it. But this doesn’t need to be some little cute thing on the beaches, and we’re going to go down and minister to the crabs. No. Sorry.