Summer is a season most people enjoy and look forward to with great anticipation. It lifts the spirits after long, cold winter days and inspires both productivity and recreation. It is a blessing from the Lord (Acts 14:17). Unfortunately, though, many people not only take this blessing for granted, they turn what God intended for good into evil. Summertime is full of temptations and Christians must be careful not to fall into any of them.
NEGLECT: There is a tendency during warm weather to spend our free time on the water, at the park, picnicking, camping, bicycling, jogging, playing ball, golfing, vacationing, and doing a hundred other outdoor things. That's not a problem, though, as long as we do not neglect our responsibilities to the Lord.
But when we allow these things to hinder our assembling with the saints, visiting the sick and aged, reading the Bible, studying with the Lord and with growing or weak Christians, or any other responsibility, we've fallen into temptation. "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Pleasant weather does not exempt us from serving the Lord. We must set aside time needed to do the Lord's work and not let it be lost to recreation.
SELFISHNESS: The pleasures involved with warm weather also tempt some to be stingy toward God. Most recreation costs something, even if it is just a picnic in the park. Some recreation costs a lot - boating, RV camping, golfing, vacationing, and so on. Again, no sin occurs by doing any of these things. But they can lead to sin. If to finance our summertime fun we hold back from the Lord what we would otherwise give, then we have sinned. Understand there is judgment involved. A person does not have to forsake recreation and leisure to serve the Lord. He just has to love the Lord more and keep pastime and its costs in proper perspective.
Remember, the Lord expects us to give as we have prospered, and He loves those who give cheerfully (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). Let us not be stingy toward Him and begrudge what we do give just because we want a summertime toy or adventure.
IMMODESTY: Warm weather also tempts many to cross over modesty's line. God's instruction, "...in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation" is not seasonal (1 Tim. 2:8-9). Immodesty is immodesty no matter what the situation is. Warm temperatures do not warrant indecency; swimming does not warrant it; sunbathing does not warrant it, nor does any other thing.
Yet many people are shameless when it comes to summer clothing. Unfortunately, some Christians are too. Let us not bring reproach on the Lord or His people by falling into this temptation. We may dress differently than some, and we may be restricted from certain activities, but the Lord knows what is best and we need to honor His wisdom and authority (Matt. 28:18).
CONCLUSION: Summertime is a blessing from the Lord. It makes it possible for life to exist. It provides a climate for vegetation to grow - at least in this part of the world - and because of it, we can enjoy the outdoors. Let's appreciate and enjoy this blessing without turning it into a curse.
- Good News, 6/14/1998