Pedaling my bike up the steep trail, I wiped the sweat running down my face. My lungs heaved and my heart pounded. Lush green grass and colorful wildflowers bordered the trail, a testimony to the heavy rains that had kept me off my bike for most of the winter and spring. Being my first ride of the season, I could feel the full effects of my time off. There is no better cardio workout than a good mountain bike ride, but the first few times out can be a little rough. Still, I knew the temporary pain of getting back in shape was worth the pay-off. If I stuck with it my mind, body and spirit would all be healthier.
As I rode, I thought about the parallels between the physical and spiritual realms. And then I remembered Paul’s words:
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.” (1 Timothy 4:7-9, NIV)
Most of us would agree that pursuing and maintaining physical fitness improves our health and quality of life. There is so much more we can do and accomplish when our bodies are working properly. Daily maintenance has positive effects that benefit us now and in the future. Although it’s hard work to get in shape, once exercise becomes a part of our routine, it’s easier to stay physically fit and worth it over the long haul.
Paul’s words in 1 Timothy remind us that pursuing and maintaining spiritual fitness is even more important because it affects both our present lives and our eternal lives. Yet maturing spiritually doesn’t happen automatically, it requires effort and intentionality, just like physical training.
As we move toward the summer months, many of us fantasize about the freedom that comes with a less regular schedule. Vacations and spontaneous outings call out to us. We look forward to reading books for pleasure, spending time with friends and family, or traveling to different places. But lurking within that haphazard schedule is the danger of getting lax in our spiritual disciplines. Looking forward to the ease and comfort of a day on vacation doesn’t bring us to our knees in prayer the way daily challenges do. And having unscheduled days often means a lack of accountability. We get complacent about staying in God’s Word when we’re left on our own too long. After all, if your Bible study group is on a break, there isn’t any homework to guide you, is there?
So right now, before summer starts, let me ask you a question. How will you train yourself to be godly this summer? How will you stay engaged in God’s Word and in prayer during lazy days with less structure and accountability? Summer is a fun time to deviate from your normal routine, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon the practices that keep you spiritually in tune. Need some ideas of things to keep you engaged? Here are a few you can try:
- Choose a new devotional to read daily. Take the time to do the suggested activities and to read and study the Scriptures included. Instead of rushing through it, make the time to absorb what it says. Here are two I’ve enjoyed this year:
- Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore
- Draw the Circle: The Forty Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson
- Choose a Bible study to go through and invite a friend or two to do it with you. Schedule times when you can meet during the summer to discuss what you’re learning. Text or e-mail each other in between so you can hold one another accountable. Here are two I’d recommend:
- Breathe by Priscilla Shirer
- Women of the Word: The Family Tree of Jesus by Marybeth McCullum (I’ve revised and updated this since it was done at Focused Living in 2015-16) Click here for more information
- Read a book to gain deeper insight on a topic you want to learn about. Get some biblical perspective from a trusted Christian author. Here are a few I’d recommend:
- The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
- Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
- Forgive and Forget by Lewis Smedes
- I Give You Authority by Charles Kraft
- Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
- Boundaries and/or Boundaries with Kids by Cloud and Townsend
- Go back and finish a Bible study workbook that you didn’t complete or that you rushed through during the year. Take the time to let the lessons sink in and then apply them to your life.
- Subscribe to an online study or devotional from one of your favorite Christian authors. (You can start by subscribing to this blog if you don’t already.) Or check out the offerings at Proverbs31.org.
- Join a summer Bible study at a local church. If you want information about options at CPC Danville, click here.
- Wherever you find yourself this summer, I pray that you will use the slower pace and the less predictable schedule to draw near to God, to savor His Word, and to grow deeper in your faith.
- Let Micah Tyler’s song “Never Been a Moment” remind you of God’s constant loving presence and His longing to connect with you in every season of life.