Now that school is out and we are in the middle of summer, we will be going on vacation, visiting family and friends, and doing things we don’t have time for the rest of the year. While we go about these activities, we may not realize that Satan could be hard at work trying to get us to fall. The kids remember the temptations at school and might feel they are now away from it all. While it is true some of the temptations at school will not be faced in the summer, some will, along with summer’s own traps and snares laid by Satan. Let us now look at a few of these dangers of summer.
First of all I want to address immodest apparel. Most people want to strip down as much as they can in the summer and we might be tempted to do the same. We may think just because it’s hot outside it’s alright to be a little loose. After all, it’s summertime right? Well, let’s just see what kind of fruit this attitude can bring forth (Matthew 7:20). Skirts and shorts may be worn a little higher than usual. Sleeveless dresses may be worn to get a suntan.
Men may want to go about their outdoor activities with their shirt off, etc. All are ways many try to compromise in the summertime. They may not wear a bikini, but they are not the light of the world either. We must realize that what is appropriate and modesty definitely applies to summertime and not just fall, winter, and spring. We must also realize that the sexual attraction between men and women is also the same in the summer, and immodest clothing can very easily produce lust. John said in 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Paul also said in 2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Paul is discussing preaching the gospel and teaching others. When we dress appropriately, especially in summer, we stand out and become a teaching tool or good example. The phrase “in season, out of season” implies that we should not cease being the teacher and example we need to be.
Secondly, I feel that summer can tempt us into being places we shouldn’t be. Since it is hot, we may want to go down to the beach or the lake and cool off. There is nothing wrong with this as long as we find a spot on the beach or the lake where we are not tempted to lust. More than likely, if we go to a beach or lake that has a lot of people, we will find ourselves among individuals in bikinis, bathing suits, etc. While we may think we are being the light of the world, I don’t think Jesus would want us associating ourselves with something that could cause us to sin, even if it meant being a good example to those that are lost. First Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” In other words, the people we associate with affect us. This can go not only for the beach and lake, but also parties and social gatherings where there is drinking, which are also very popular in summer. We cannot become friends with the world! “Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4b).
Finally, this last subject concerns the amount of extra time we have left over on our summer break. Will we go to the movies? Yes we will. Will we go on vacation? Yes we will. Will we associate with our friends more often? Yes, I hope we would. But what about God? Shouldn’t we devote extra time to God as well? Absolutely! Neglect of what we need to do can hurt us more than we know. Devotion to extra Bible study and meditation through the summer can help us be stronger. Why not take that opportunity to meditate on God’s word (Psalm 1:2; 119:97)? You may want to do a lot of activities throughout the summer, but don’t forget your Creator. Devote time to Him as well! I hope this will help you throughout the summer to be a better Christian.
While this is directed more towards the younger folks, I think this can also be applied to adults as well, because everyone has to deal with the dangers of summer. Just remember that Satan never takes a vacation and is active around us even in summer (1 Peter 5:8).
Jonathan Glaesemann