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DON’T TAKE A VACATION FROM GOD THIS SUMMER
Since it is now officially summer, I’ve been thinking about the fact that a lot of people take a vacation from God and Church during the summer, and so I want to say to you – Don’t do it!
Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here. Vacations, holidays and summer trips with the family are all good, important and valuable things to do. But don’t take the whole summer off from church attendance, worship, prayer and Bible reading!
I know, Summer has a way of making everything feel looser.
The calendar loosens. The routines loosen. The bedtimes and budgets loosen. Even the standards for what qualifies as “dinner” loosen dramatically. Suddenly “eat whatever you can find in the refrigerator” qualifies as a meal. That’s OK, I guess…everyone survived.
And honestly, I love summer. I love the warmer weather, vacations, cookouts, family get togethers, slower evenings and the general feeling that everything can just breathe a bit easier.
Rest is biblical. Slowing down can be good. Making memories matters.
But summer can also expose something in us. When the normal routine disappears, we find out what was actually holding our spiritual life together. Was it love for Jesus? Was it conviction? Was it desire? Or was it just our “jobs” in the church – ushering, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir??? Even if you don’t have a “job” at church…you still need to be there…you still need to worship…you still need to fellowship with your church family.
Because if we’re not careful, summer doesn’t just loosen our schedule. It loosens our devotion. One busy weekend turns into one missed gathering with God’s people. One missed gathering turns into two. Two missed gatherings turn into, “We’ll get back into the rhythm soon.” And before long, “soon” becomes August. Or September… Or never!
Somehow we manage to rationalize our lack of church attendance by saying, “I’m on vacation,” as if Jesus isn’t Lord while we’re “on vacation,” as if Jesus didn’t give us the ability to afford the vacation. And most importantly…As if Jesus can’t return while we’re on vacation!
And the same thing can happen with prayer.
One late night turns into one skipped morning. One skipped morning turns into a week of “I’ll get back to it tomorrow.” And before long, Bible reading feels awkward, prayer feels forced, and God feels distant.
So, even though you are on “summer break”…be faithful to your church. If this is your church… love her. Support her with your presence, your prayers and your giving. The Bible says: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)
People come and go during summer. That’s good. God loves to see his people getting the rest and recreation they need. But don’t go on vacation from Jesus and his people. Keep worshiping wherever you are, keep giving, keep praying, keep loving. God has amazing things in mind for us if we will remain faithful to Him.
So, enjoy the summer. Take the vacation. Go to the cookout. Watch the fireworks. Eat the hot dogs and ice cream. Make memories.
But don’t let summer decide your spiritual priorities for you. Stay planted. Stay close. Stay awake. Because your soul doesn’t need a vacation from Jesus. It needs Him in every season.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Ruth
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