Articles
Summer Sins
Summer Sins
The preacher must preach the word “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). While this does not literally refer to the “seasons” there are some sins that are more common seasonally. Greed sometimes raises its ugly head right around Black Friday and into the winter holidays. Yet, in the summer, different sins often become more prevalent. Therefore, seasonally, we may need to address some topics more often. Consider a few “summer sins”…
Immodesty. As the heat rises in summer, clothes tend to get skimpier. Please keep in mind one can wear clothes and still be considered “naked” in the sight of God (cp. Gen 3:7-11; Isaiah 47:1-3). Intense heat is no excuse to dress immodestly in the sight of others (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Both males and females should ask themselves, “Am I showing good judgment in what I wear in the summer heat?” Are you aiming to “glorify God in your body” or looking for self-glorification by flaunting it to the world (see 1 Corinthians 6:20)? “Be discreet” (Titus 2:5).
Lewdness. Summer is sandwiched right in between two school dances—homecoming and prom. Some of the actions at these dances and at summer house parties fit the Biblical description of “lewdness.”. Christians should keep clear of what God calls the “works of the flesh” and “lewdness” is one of those (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3-4). Vine’s says this word “denotes "excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness." Do certain types of touching and dancing encourage and spark the sexual passions? If we are honest, we would admit certain forms of dance arouse sensuality and violate God’s standard of morality. By our presence, we often lend our approval to such actions (see Romans 1:32).
Idleness. With a break from school, comes the temptation to take a break from all good works. Yet, Christians should not “eat the bread of idleness” but should be “zealous in good works” (cp. Proverbs 31:27; Titus 2:14). Let’s not use summer as an excuse to be lazy but as an opportunity to be “abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). How will you be “redeeming the time” this summer to be busy in spiritual works (see Ephesians 5:16)?
Neglect. As vacation season kicks into high gear, it can be a temptation to use our “vacation” as an excuse to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Travel games and All-Star teams tend to play seven days a week as well. Yet, assemblies of faithful Christians can be found all over the country. Take the time to research a sound church to worship with while you travel. The apostle Paul delayed his trip until after “the first day of the week” so he could “break bread” with disciples (Acts 20:7) It will encourage them, set a good example for others, and indicates God is a part of your focus whether at home or abroad.
