Turning Summer “Down Time” into “Up Time”!
It’s June – it’s summer! Can’t you just hear the “voices” of summertime calling you? Ah yes, the beaches, the theme parks, the barbecues, the mountains of North Carolina, your favorite fishing, boating and swimming spots – they call us and remind us that there is so much recreation out there and so little time! Now, it is not my intention to throw cold water on your hot summer plans, but there’s another “voice” we need to hear before any other – the voice of our Lord. Sure, we all need some “down time” this summer, but let’s not put “first things” on the back burner of the barbecue – things like our relationship to God and our commitments to His church and to our own families. We need to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” in every season, including the summer. We don’t want our “down time” to lead to a personal or congregational “down time”. To that end, here are some tips for keeping yourself and the church strong during the summer:
1. WHEN IN TOWN, ATTEND & BE INVOLVED. In 1 Cor 15.58 Paul exhorts us to “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” Don’t take a vacation from the Lord or from your brothers and sisters. Jesus died to make us “family”, so be sure to make room in your schedule for plenty of spiritual “family time”. In fact, summer is the perfect time to have people over or “out”, to pray and study together, or work on a service project. Maybe you could target a few members of the church you would like to get to know better this summer…
2. WHEN OUT OF TOWN, ATTEND & STAY CLOSE TO THE LORD. When you’re traveling, don’t neglect the assemblies (Heb 10.24-25). Visiting another congregation is such a blessing – you can meet brothers and sisters you didn’t even know you had! And don’t slack off on times of prayer and Bible study. Don’t let your faith suffer while you’re perfecting your tan! Another suggestion to consider when planning your out-of-town excursions: Try not to miss a Sunday here unnecessarily. We need you!
3. KEEP THE CONTRIBUTIONS COMING. Remember that the congregation here depends on your consistent giving to meet its financial obligations. The ministries, activities and operating expenses of the congregation know no vacation! Please don’t jeopardize the good things the Lord is doing through us by being negligent in your giving. If you’re out of town, leave your contribution in advance, or make it up when you return. Don’t cheat the Lord or rob from Him (Malachi 3.8-12), give generously and joyfully as you have pledged in your heart to do.
If we all practice these “summertime tips” we can turn our summer “down time” into “up time,” and turn a potential “summer slump” into a “summer surge”! May God bless you and UCCC this summer!
Rich Howell
