It’s that time of year once again. The days are longer, the temperatures rise, and, of course, the best part – NO SCHOOL! But, this is also a time to reflect on what God expects from us. The summer season is full of fun, but also a time of sinful temptations. We as Christians need to know what to expect and what not to do.
No doubt about it, summer is hot. When it’s cold, we can always put more clothes on, however, we must remember that when it’s hot we can’t always take clothing off. Modesty is very important at this time of year. A Christian, either male or female, must keep modest the entire summer no matter how hot it gets. We must stay away from things such as short shorts, short skirts, halter-tops, tank tops and other types of clothing that are immodest. This also brings up the question of mixed swimming. Is this acceptable? Is it all right for a boy and a girl to be with each other when each is wearing little to nothing? The answer is no. If you still believe it is okay, then ask yourself this – would you want to be engaging in mixed swimming when Jesus returns?
Along with no school comes more time on our hands, and for some, that just means more chances to get into trouble. No doubt we will be spending more time with our friends, now it is up to us to choose which type of friends we want to hang out with. The friends we pick this summer could affect the rest of our lives. If you don’t believe that friends can change you, then read I Corinthians 15:33 which tells us that evil communications corrupts good morals. This word “communications” can also be translated as companions. It would be a wise thing to make friends and hang around those of like faith this summer. May I suggest you spend your time going to sound Bible camps, summer devotionals, and personal Bible study with friends. If your home congregation does not offer any of this, there are sound congregations nearby that do. Just ask someone for recommendations and direction to programs of sound doctrine. If we fill our time with things that are pure this summer, then we will not have to worry about doing things that are inappropriate. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This tells us that we must fill our minds with ideas that are godly and we won’t have time to think on the evil things.
It seems like the devil works overtime during the summer because of all the temptations we face. Sometimes it seems that it is hard to obey God, but the solution is simple. We find the answer to it all in James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” It is that simple. Remember these things as you go through the summer.
Remember to have fun, but not in a way that would compromise your faith.
