GUEST BLOGGER: Summer Resolutions
- Pastor Jared
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
NOTE: I have invited the contributions of Stu Reimer to write in this space on the issues of marriage and family. If you follow CRC at all you will know Stu to be my frequent substitute in the pulpit and I am looking forward to his work as my substitute from time to time in this space. Expect his blogs to appear every 6 weeks or so.
Stu is no expert on the things on which I have asked him to write (Just ask his wife and children), but he is a committed reformed Christian and a committed husband and father. His opinions are his own, but I trust that reading his blogs will bring much wisdom and offer much practical value as we try to maintain biblical faithfulness in our families while navigating a strange and contrary world.
Now, on to Stu.
In the past year, I have been looking at different Reformed doctrines and trying show, when applied, they should have positive results for our family life. Before breaking for summer, I would like to pause from that for a moment. I know as the weather has turned and summer holidays are soon upon us who have children, it can become easy for us to lose our gospel centered focus and feel as if we deserve a break from our spiritual attention. For the sake of our marriages and families, we must combat this and remember that belief in a gospel centered life must extend into all areas of living. I hope I have made it clear in my previous writings, that nothing about the gospel is our work but is a monergistic act of the triune God. Yet, as Paul writes in Romans 6, God forbid we find ourselves in a state of complacency. If we truly believe in the saving work of Christ, the gospel demands a response.
Now then, I would like to channel my inner Jonathan Edwards and make a short list of summer resolutions I hope to fulfill and invite you to take a moment to do the same and encourage each other to fight the good fight as we don’t believe in a deserved off season.
Resolved, to not forgo attending corporate worship on Sunday morning. Not to be legalistic about it and allow for certain exceptions, but I wish those to be exactly that; exceptions. Our responsibility to gather as the church for worship does not lose importance just because the weather is nice. Men, we specifically, have a duty to lead our families in this way. If it is not a priority to us, why should we be surprised when church won’t matter to our children when they grow up? (Hebrews 10:25)
Resolved, to not forgo Scripture reading and family worship. No matter how busy the schedule gets, I wish to not trade in that which has eternal value for the temporal. Here again, a father has the power to lead his family by example. We all have to stop to eat food or we would die. To put the Word of God on hold is to begin to starve spiritually. (John6:63)
Resolved, to work hard. Not only in obedience to God but also to set an example for my children. It is often forgotten that work was not a result of the fall but was given to Adam at Creation. When the weather is hot and the work is hard, I wish to view it as an act of worship and discipleship to my children so in the future they may do the same. (Gen. 2:15)
Resolved, to rest hard. 6 days we are commanded to work but then receive one day for rest. There are days during the week I can be prone to laziness but there can be an equal temptation on my rest day to see things on the yard that need to be taken care of. I hope to use the gift of rest we have been given for our own good and again pass that gift of mercy on to my children. Our kids have come to love and get excited for Sunday because after the busyness for 6 days they know, Sunday is family day. (Mark 2:27)
Resolved, to not get distracted by selfish goals but spend as much time as I can with my family. I am always taken aback when I hear a parent say in August they can’t wait till the kids are back in school. As the summers begin to fly by I wish to cherish every moment God has blessed me with my family as they go by too fast. I hope to never say no, unless appropriate, to a request to play catch, go for a bike ride or go for a walk with my wife. (Psalm 90:12)
Resolved, to have as much fun as I could possibly have. You may look at my list and think it doesn’t sound like a very exciting summer. What I have come to learn is there is no more joy to be had than a man living with purpose and a grateful heart. The gospel does not simply apply to being assured of your salvation. Whether I am spending the day at the beach, barbequing a 21 ounce steak, or gathering produce from the garden, I am resolved to give thanks for these undeserved blessings and enjoy them to the best of my ability hoping that in all things I can bring glory to His name. No matter what the circumstance; to thine be the glory! (1 Cor. 10:31, John 10:10)
