IS SUMMER A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
I do not fear global warming. It is a man-made religion that denies the existence of God and the truths of the Bible. The Holy Word of God reveals, “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). Man cannot destroy the earth; only God can (2 Pet. 3:7). So, go ahead and use your hair spray and enjoy the season called summer.
The days of summer are upon us. Warmer weather, children out of school, vacation time, and family outings are all a part of these days we call summer. They are fun and enjoyable. They are a blessing to us because we all need some time to relax, be more casual and take a more laid back approach to life. Enjoy these wonderful days of picnicking, fireworks, fishing, fellowshipping with family and doing things that will lift your spirit.
Many Christian use the summer months to go on mission trips. What a blessing that is to the cause of Christ. Members of the church take their vacation time to go to a foreign country and help in preaching the gospel.
Summer can also be a curse. How? Watch these things: “ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). Before you leave on vacation search out a congregation where you will be. Don’t be casual about this. Don’t hope you will find a good congregation. You plan it. You plan your destination, you make reservations at a motel/hotel, and you buy tickets ahead of time to see the attractions you desire, shouldn’t you do the same for worship? Put at the top of your list to find a congregation of the Lord’s people with which to assemble. If you forsake the assembly, summer is a curse.
“Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2). Set you contribution aside before you leave. Budget you vacation without using the money you contribute to the work of the Lord. Planning is essential. Plan to give your contribution before you leave or bring it back to your home congregation when you return. If you fail to contribute because of a vacation, summer has become a curse.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Tim. 2:9). While the writer addresses this to women, the same principle applies to men. Both men and women should bring glory to God in their dress. Be sure to dress appropriately for church assemblies. Beware of the type of dress (shorts, bathing suits, tank tops etc.) that would create lust in the heart of another. Improper dress can become a curse in the summer.
Enjoy the summer and make it a blessing instead of a curse.
Larry