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Jesus…Don’t Leave Home Without Him
“Discipleship doesn’t stop just because it’s summer”
Did Jesus take a vacation every summer? Go up to his lake cabin home or to his cottage on the beach? You know, kick back, listen to the loons, do a little fishing, maybe hop on a jet ski or just lay around in the hammock with a cool breeze blowing? And all that after fighting donkey and cart traffic on weekend afternoons as people rushed to get out of town and off to their get-away vacation spot?
How about the disciples? During the three years of ministry with Jesus, did they spend inordinate amounts of time planning, anticipating, preparing for, and going on extended vacations or regular weekends away? Hmmm…
Now, I’m not at all advocating that summer vacations are unnecessary or to be avoided. Or that a devoted follower of Jesus should not take weekends off in the summer to get much-needed rest. However, what I am non-pulsed about is the “congregation has left the church” mentality that seems to set in once the weather warms up, kids finish the school year, the calendar reads ‘JUNE’ and everyone else is gearing up for an extended vacation or regular weekend jaunts to the family cabin.
What I am suggesting, is that even though we take time off from our normal routines in the summer, we shouldn’t take time off from growing spiritually, studying God’s Word, praying, giving financially to God’s work, having fellowship with other Christians and maybe even sharing our faith with the people we run into. Hey, in the relaxed summer mode many of us get into, it may even lend itself to more time to reflect on what God’s done in your life; dig deeper into Scripture; read a good Christian book you’ve always wanted to read; talk with a clerk at the local ice cream shop about God, or even visit that little church you pass by on the way to the cabin.
Several summers ago we were invited to my brother-in-law’s family cabin just north of Virginia, MN and it was fabulous. Lots of fun family time as we rode ATV’s, went water-skiing, did some canoeing, and just enjoyed each other’s company. But a highlight for me was each morning before anyone else was stirring. I’d get up, grab a cup of coffee and go sit on a lawn chair with a Bible, daily devotionals and my Utmost For His Highest journal. It was quiet, still (except for an occasional loon calling) and a time of communion with God I still draw strength from in hectic times.
“We are individuals. Make time to do things that energize you. Read, exercise, get lost in the woods, write poems, or plant something. We must continue to be people of substance and not short-circuit who God made us to be.” –also from Summertime Blues in Ministry.
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” (John 14:27).
We all long for peace in our lives, and oftentimes, time away during the summer provides us with that. Just remember when you take off this summer, wherever and whenever you go…invite Jesus along. Don’t leave home without Him.
For His Kingdom,
Pastor Chris