The Summer Slide
Let’s talk about something that sneaks in during summer if we’re not careful: the slide. The slow fade. The drift. For me, summer can sometimes mean inconsistency.
I’ve got six kids. And in the summer, it feels like everything’s up in the air. Schedules are weird. Bedtimes disappear. My kids are asking to do crazy things we never do. Half the time I’m just hoping everyone got fed and at least mostly dressed. It’s loud, unpredictable, and honestly kind of exhausting. And in the chaos, the most important things – prayer, Bible reading, Sunday worship, community – can start to slide.
That’s why I need the reminder the Apostle Paul gives in Philippians 1:27: "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
Not just “when school’s in session” or “when you’re in a routine.” Whatever happens. In every season.
And then Paul writes this in 1 Timothy 4:7–8: “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
In other words, don’t just train for the beach. Train for eternity.
Because here’s the truth: nobody coasts into Christlikeness. You don’t drift toward godliness. You train for it. And you don’t take the summer off from training.
So let me challenge you the same way I’m challenging myself right now. Stay consistent.
Stay in the Word. Stay in prayer. Stay in community. Stay generous. Stay engaged on Sundays. Keep inviting friends and neighbors (they still need Jesus in the Summer). And if you’re in a small group, keep meeting as much as possible.
Let’s be the kind of people Psalm 1 talks about: like trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in every season. Even if we’ve got pool parties, travel plans, and popsicles melting into the minivan carpet.
We’ll be here every Sunday. I hope you will be too.