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SUMMER TIME SINS
What Are You Doing?

 We have devoted a few articles to the subject of summer time sins.  These are sins which are obviously not exclusive to summer time, but because of the weather and relaxed standards for some, there is more opportunity to do these things.  Thus far we have examined – 1) The sin of immodesty, 2) Remembering God while on vacation, & 3) Redeeming the Time.  In this article we want to discuss godliness in choosing our activities.

It is not uncommon to hear of the summer season as the fun season.  And in our society, that is certainly true.  With longer days and more pleasant weather, more activities are offered within our communities and with our friends. 

As Christians, we need to continually be aware of our need to live a godly life.  Godliness is one of the so-called “Christian graces” (2 Pet. 1:6-7) that we are to supply within our faith.  It is a word that describes “a Godward attitude” that “does that which is well-pleasing to Him.” (Vine’s[1]). Vincent’s describes the word as, “worship rightly directed.” [2]  It has to do with rendering unto God the reverence He is due, not merely in worship, but throughout our lives.  We often describe this as “God-likeness” which implies we desire to manifest the qualities of God (which we can) in our lives – holiness, purity, love, decency, etc.  Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”  Timothy was told, “But reject profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:6-7)  It is through “the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” that we have been given, “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (2 Pet. 1:3)

We manifest godliness (or lack thereof) in the way we conduct ourselves – what we do, where we go, who we associate with, etc.   AND that is something we need to think about during the summer season. 

Where are you going?  With some many options, do we find ourselves going places where immoral activities are being practiced?   We have already discussed immodest clothing, but what about the places where such is being worn?  How about the beach and public pools?  When we think about the subject of lust, it is not just about our provoking others to lust, but avoiding such in our lives.  Paul told Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts.” (2 Tim. 2:22)  Jesus, in Matthew 5:28 said, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  If a place is filled with people who show little regard for lust, or perhaps they are even seeking to provoke lust, should that be where we as Christians seek to recreate ourselves?  Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?”  (Job 31:1)  What a fitting attitude for us to consider.

There are other places that Christians ought to avoid: Places where other forms of lust are being promoted.  There are the dance halls and night clubs where the gyrating of bodies also provokes LUST (there’s that word again!).  Much of the modern dance involves immoral movements and the handling of a partner in such a way that it that leads to sexual arousal.  Among the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21) we read of uncleanness and lewdness.  Uncleanness is described as, “the state of moral impurity, especially in relation to sexual sin.” (L&N, 88.261[3])  Lewdness is defined as, “behavior completely lacking in moral restraint, usually with the implication of sexual licentiousness.” (L&N, 88.272[4])  Both of these can be descriptive of the modern dancing.  Be honest, if such conduct is prevalent at an activity, is that where a Christian should be?

Many of these places, and others, also offer drinking.  Whether legal or not, many seek out popular parties and places which usually serve liquor and/or drugs.  It seems to be a popular thing to “hang out with friends” and “get drunk” or “party!”  That this happens is too frequently revealed as the news stories of drunkenness break.  Sadly, many of our young think that drinking is “cool”.  While some argue that drinking in moderation is acceptable for Christians (I don’t!), WHY would we want to at all, when we consider the damage it does?  The damage it does to a society, to one’s health, to families and to your example.  There is NOT a single benefit that alcohol provides which necessitates it or that cannot be found elsewhere.  But there is PLENTY of sinful conduct associated with drinking.   1 Pet. 4:3 says, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.”  At least three of these words are associated with different levels of the consumption of alcohol.  Solomon observed, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Prov. 20:1)    For those who want to justify social drinking I ask, is there such a thing as being “a little drunk”?  You are either drunk or you are not!  The whole purpose of alcohol (even socially) is to relax us and “take off the edge” or manipulate your mind (even if it is just a little).  So much more could be said about this, but space will not permit it at this time.  But in this season of fun and frivolity, stay away from liquor! (Prov. 23:31-35).  Christians are to stay sober (1 Thess. 5:6, Titus 2:2, 6, 12; 1 Pet. 1:13, 5:8, etc.).  You don’t need alcohol!

Another thing to consider is the movies we go to.  The “blockbuster” movies are almost always released during the summer season.  And those movies are not always godly.  In fact, as our standards as a society have loosened, so have movie ratings.  Hollywood is not known for its moral virtues.  In fact, it is a contributing factor to the moral DECLINE of our society.   Friends, I am not opposed to going to moves, but as Christians we need STANDARDS!  We DO need to be careful what we watch.    Here are some of my concerns with movies:
 1) Consider how godly role models are often portrayed as prudes or idiots.
 2) Ungodly lifestyles such as cohabitation, fornication and homosexuality are glorified. 
 3) Profanity is heavily utilized in most movies.
 4) Immodest clothing or nudity are treated as normal and often used as a draw. 
  5) Criminal activity and violence are often glorified, sometimes gratuitously. 

As Christians we know that such things are sinful conduct, but do we indulge in media where such is promoted?  Continued exposure to such can lead to desensitization of such sinful conduct.  (Heb. 3:13, 1 Tim. 4:2).  Prov. 6:28 says, “Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?”  Do we give consideration to the rating system when we choose our movies?  Do you go to R rated movies?  Do you investigate the content of a movie before you go (there are websites, such as, http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ or http://www.pluggedin.com/  that will tell you EXACLTY what is in a movie – profanity, sexual innuendo, nudity, violence, positive and negative elements, etc.).   Where do you draw the line as to what you will view? (2 Cor. 6:14-17, 1 John 2:15-17, Jas. 4:4).

In this article we have discussed some things to avoid as Christians.  Please know that there are plenty of other GOOD choices that will not compromise your faith.  Let us look for such and if we are presented with opportunity, let us avail ourselves of such.  Have fun!  But know that God is watching (Eccl. 11:9-12:1, Heb. 4:12-13).  Think about it. 

In our next and final article, we want to discuss our associations and make some applications as to using our summer to overcome sinful conduct and draw closer to our Lord.