The summer break is here, and with it comes the desire to relax, have fun, and make the most of the few weeks there are before the new school term begins. For some, that looks like heading to the beach or a river to beat the heat. For others, it may be travelling to the country or overseas to spend quality time with family or even away from them on a work and travel programme. There are also those who simply chill out in their bedrooms or on the couch more often.
If you are a son of God (Christian), however, never forget you are called to worship God in all you do; there is never a season or moment to break from seeking and obeying God. As a matter of fact, let me challenge you. If you were one who often said you could not find the time to pray or read the Scriptures as you would like because of your studies, how about now? How are you spending the leisure time you now have?
Worship is not just an activity we do at church; it is living a life that demonstrates love, adoration, reverence, and obedience to God. It can be expressed through singing, praying, dancing, working, lifting up hands (symbolic of our submission to Him), reading and meditating on the Scriptures, as well as serving others. Regardless of the expression, the important thing is that worship is done from and with a sincere heart. This also applies to both individual and corporate instances.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:23-24
It is not God’s desire for you to succumb to the heat of the various temptations that may arise with the summer holiday (like the revelling at parties, laziness, wasting time on social media, etc.). Here are a few tips that will ensure you stay on the path of righteousness and shine the light of Christ brightly to the glory of God.
1. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU ARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? – 1 Corinthians 6:19
“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” – 2 Corinthians 6:16
At salvation, your body became the temple of God. As you navigate not just this summer but all the days of your life, you must take care of the temple that God has purified and now resides in through His Spirit. This means not entertaining the lusts of this world and the suggestions of the devil, which will only lead you into sin and death.
2. KEEP DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners: and purify your hearts, ye double minded. – James 4:8
It is amazing to think that our great and powerful God desires intimacy with us, so when He saves us, He washes away all our sins and replaces separation from Him by making us one with Himself. This relationship is to be cherished and maintained. You must hang on dearly to this truth, especially if there comes a moment where you stop obeying God (sin). The truth is, when you are saved, sin is a choice and not an obligation.
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. – Ephesians 4:30
Because of your oneness with God, as His Son, you will feel His displeasure, and Satan uses these times of vulnerability to implant thoughts and emotions of shame/self-condemnation, which seeks to convince you to further isolate yourself from God and anyone who desires to help you. However, God in His love and mercy will continue to draw you back to repentance so you can resume sweet, unhindered fellowship with Him. You must reject shame and run back to Him.
3. HAVE CONSISTENT QUIET TIMES WITH GOD
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. – Psalm 119:15
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. – Mark 1:35
Jesus is the standard of what it means to be a Son of God; having consistent, quiet (personal) time with God was an essential part of His life on earth. What about you? There is no written structure/formula for an effective quiet time except this: coming to God with a pure heart. It’s not so much about the quantity of time spent but the quality of it. Prayer is a primary discipline of every son of God and, as such, should take place throughout the day; however, quiet times with God can include singing, listening to a message, studying the Bible, etc.
It would also be very beneficial to note the things God says to you or anything you find important during your quiet time. You may even start a prayer journal. Ultimately, the goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into what He desires whenever you approach Him.
4. HONOUR THE TIMES OF CORPORATE WORSHIP
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
Believe it or not, engaging in times of corporate worship is certainly one of the many exciting things to do this summer. Do it as much as possible, whether it be a prayer meeting, camp, vacation Bible school, Bible study, a gospel concert, etc. These times offer opportunities not only to enjoy the company of other sons of God, but also for us to be empowered together to walk in boldness and confidence as prayers are answered, miracles are witnessed, and divine appointments/instructions/strategies are received. For example, your faith may be further encouraged to continue in your own personal time with God as you find that others are hearing and sharing the same things that you would have learnt in secret from God. Furthermore, you should know that it truly excites God to see His sons in community – loving each other, growing together in knowledge of Him, and being passionate about the things He is passionate about!
Your youth is a precious gift of life and time that should be used wisely. Have fun, but not the frivolous type! Don’t let the excitement of youth (and the summer holidays) cause you to forget your Creator and your call, which is summed up in Philippians 2:15:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Passion and Purity is a school-based Christian ministry in Jamaica.
