Keep
your cool. Studies have shown that violent crime
rises regularly during the hot summer months. Some
folks’ tempers go up right along with the mercury in
the thermometer. If you know that a hot temper is
something you struggle with, take extra precaution
to make sure you don’t fly off the handle. People
who tend to lose their tempers do so because they
make a big deal out of small issues. The Bible says,
“Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people
control theirs,” (Proverbs 29:11, NCV). We need to
put our ears in overdrive and our mouths and tempers
in granny-gear (James 1:19). So the next time your
temper is tempted, take a deep breath or a sip of
tea (not both at the same time—you’ll choke!).
Chances are whatever is making you mad is not that
big of a deal.
Keep
your modesty. The following test is adapted from
Dannah Dresh, who came up with these tests for
modesty titled, “Truth Or Bare? How to Check Your
Modesty Level.” Test 1- “Is my shirt too tight? If
so, it won’t grow larger overnight; get the right
size.” Test 2 - “Raise and Praise: Am I showing too
much belly when I raise my arms like in church? If
so, get a longer size.” Test 3- “I see London, I see
France; No one should see your underpants!” Test 4 -
“The Plumber’s Test - Are my pants too low? Quote,
“It ‘isn’t cute on the plumber, it ‘isn’t so cute on
you!” The Bible says, “I want women to be modest in
their appearance. They should wear decent and
appropriate clothing and not draw attention to
themselves by the way they fix their hair or by
wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes” (1
Timothy 2:9). Yes, the principle applies to men,
too.
Keep
your faith. I’m sure you don’t stop believing
when you go on vacation. But how many of us act like
unbelievers when we get away from home? Being in a
far away place and away from people they believe
they will see again is all the freedom some people
need to do things they wouldn’t think of doing at
home. But the simple truth is this—if it’s wrong
here it’s wrong there. Letting your hair down
shouldn’t mean letting your morals down. The Bible
says, “The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the
children of man” (Psalm 33:13). He doesn’t turn his
head when you’re on vacation. The second part of
this has to do with your assembly with the church.
We plan where we’re going to sleep, maybe where
we’re going to eat and what we’re going to do for
fun. Shouldn’t we take some time and plan where
we’re going to meet with Christians and worship God?
The Bible says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). That’s
true no matter where you are.
