By Todd Barrier  

Summer is on its way. As is always the case, summer is a time full of activity. We can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and use summer vacation as a vacation from God.  

In the Bible we are told in Romans 12:1-2 … “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

How can we avoid conforming to the world and vacationing from God during a time of year when conformity is so easy? Here are a few tips:  

• Keep your routine with God. Pray the same, worship the same, love the same. Don’t let the summer schedule change what you do, plan your schedule around God.  
• Find ways to serve more. The Christian life is all about service and sacrifice. During a time when we have more opportunity to “do things”, find some extra ways to serve others. You will be a blessing and be blessed.  
• Be an influencer. Oftentimes we are influenced by others during the summer. Our friends change, our likes and dislikes become different and we are shaped by all of the new people we meet and hang out with. This summer, set the tone for those around you, be about God and let others know how great the life of a child of God can be.  

Hopefully this will be a great summer full of growth toward God for all of us. Will you be about God this summer?