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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:8-9

Check out last Sunday’s sermon here.

Seasonal changes offer us an opportunity. For some, things stay the same. For many, summer is a time for more freedom or more work.

More gardening and yard care, more trips and family events, and more softball. Others have days filled to the brim with projects that the winter caused or prevented. Hay must be cut, fence mended, and cattle moved.

You have more time to invest in all these with the longer days.

In the extra busyness and freedom, sacrifices will need to be made. But, let us not sacrifice one thing though, our souls. You will not merit a thing in your sweat and long hours of work or leisure if you neglect your soul (Mark 8:34-38). Your family will fare no better if you neglect them. In and through the seasonal changes, let’s not just have a good summer, a relaxing summer, or a productive summer. Let's have a spiritually serious summer.

Set your mind on true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable-excellent-praiseworthy things. Let the Word of God shape your work and leisure. Fill the minute moments with purity and truth.

Set your hands and feet to practice gospel-shaped things–things that flow out of a heart that has been given life and light and eternal pleasure with God. Engage in opportunities to learn and practice the Christian life with the people of God and toward those outside of Christ. In this God will be glorified as the church testifies to His goodness and calls others to surrender and worship.

Let’s throw our confidence into God who brings peace, a better peace than the feeling you get from a nice garden, sufficient money, a completed task, or a hard day's work. The God of peace will be with you, in Christ.

Have a spiritually serious summer. May God be with you.