Most have heard of a “bucket list.” Often, a bucket list consists of things people want to do before they “kick the bucket” and die. Maybe they want to visit a dream destination, jump out of an airplane, or scuba dive with the sharks. Yet, for our sakes today, we want to think about our summer bucket list. Some have a bucket list of things they would like to do over summer break - get a tan, visit a theme park, or catch up with friends. However, have you thought of any spiritual summer goals? Consider keeping this checklist handy...

1) Work so you can give. Paul writes of how we should “labor, working with hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28). Teens, don't just sit at home and do nothing all summer. Work. Support yourself by working but also work to put money aside to help fund a spiritual work or effort of an individual or of the church. Additionally, kids need to pitch in around the house and help their parents who are working (Ecclesiastes 9:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

2) Read the Scriptures. Some seasons are busier than others and it cuts into our reading time. But, when we have a slower season be intentional about reading the Scriptures so you might be edified and enlightened by the Word. What’s on your spiritual reading list to tackle this summer? How about Luke’s gospel and the book of Acts? If you’ll read just one chapter a day you should be able to cover it in a couple months (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3) Plan a spiritual edification trip. Maybe it’s a VBS, a gospel meeting, or youth series, or a song leader workshop. However, make plans with someone to visit a group or church that is hosting a speaker or series and be edified while encouraging others (Acts 15:35-36; Romans 1:9-10). While you’re at it invite your friends to our summer series too!

4) Share a meal. If you have more time to cook and entertain, consider putting extra effort into hospitality this summer. It can be as simple as an ice cream cone after Sunday night services or a cookout on the back porch. But, hospitality is an encouraging tool to grow relationships and build bonds of togetherness with one another (Acts 2:46; 16:15; 1 Peter 4:9).

5) Visit someone lonely. James calls us to “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). The book of Hebrews says we should “strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees…” (12:12). While we encourage those who are discouraged by our visits, we often leave feeling uplifted too! Who can you make time to visit this summer?

Keep this list handy as a spiritual motivator this summer! Let’s grow.