Summertime Blues?

Ah, summer, that glorious season of sunshine, vacations, and lazy days by the beach. It's a time when the world slows down and schedules become more flexible. And while many Christians embrace this change of pace, there's one thing that often gets left behind: attending church. It seems that summer becomes the ultimate excuse for some to skip out on the weekly gathering of believers. But here's the wild and untamed truth: God remains faithful, regardless of our disregard for church, worship, fellowship, and all the good things that come with it.

Let’s not forget the now famous words of Martin Luther, who said, "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." Yes, we have the freedom to enjoy the pleasures of summer, to revel in the beauty of creation, and to savor the moments of relaxation. But at the same time, the church is the place where God's promise can be heard. It’s the location of God's specific encounter with sinners. It’s where the Holy Spirit speaks through the church's proclamation, makes dead sinners alive, and produces faith. In other words, the church isn’t just a building or a Sunday morning routine. It’s the very place where God meets us, where his promises are declared, and where the Holy Spirit works to change our hearts. It’s a sacred space, a refuge for the weary, and a constant, consistent source of strength and renewal.

And that is the heart of the matter. God's faithfulness is constant and consistent. It knows no season. His love for us doesn't fade with the summer sun. He remains steadfast and true, even when we let the distractions of this world pull us away. In the words of the apostle Paul, "If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself " (2 Tim. 2:13).

God's faithfulness is constant and consistent. It knows no season. His love for us doesn't fade with the summer sun.

So let’s not use summer as an excuse to neglect the gift of community and the blessings that come with gathering as the body of Christ. Instead, let’s embrace the wild and audacious love of our God. Let’s cling to his faithfulness and love not just on Sundays, but in every aspect of our lives, whether we're lounging by the pool or sweating it out on a hiking trail. Let’s remember that faith is not a seasonal affair, but a daily gift renewed by the Holy Spirit through the forgiveness of sins.

At the same time though, let’s remember that the church is not confined to a building or a specific time of year. The church is present as the body of Christ wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus. It’s in the comfort we receive from conversations with other believers over backyard barbecues, in the moments of prayer shared with loved ones, and in the acts of service and kindness we extend to those in need.

Yes, summer may beckon us with its allure of leisure and relaxation, but our faith is not confined to the seasons. It is a living, breathing trust that follows Jesus, loves our neighbors, and proclaims the Gospel wherever and whenever the Holy Spirit opens our mouths to speak.

So as summer unfolds, let’s not use it as an excuse to neglect the rich blessings of church, worship, and fellowship. Instead, let’s cling to God's forgiveness, life, and salvation in every season, every moment, and every adventure. And may our lives be a testament to the faithfulness of our God, who remains with us, no matter where we find ourselves on this wild journey of faith and life.

Embrace the sunshine, the laughter, and the joy that this season brings, but never lose sight of the One who gives us life and purpose. For in Jesus Christ, our faith remains steadfast, our hope remains unshaken, and our love remains unyielding. 

And may this summer be a time of deepening faith for all of us, a time of genuine connection with other believers, and a time when we  enjoy the radical grace of God in Jesus Christ.