Bathing Suits: Modesty Matters

ss2This month’s giveaway, with a value of up to $75, and an additional special offer, will be featured in tomorrows article, so stay tuned!

Last month, we discussed the importance of modest clothing, no matter what the occasion. We’ve also previously discussed modest bathing suits and the topic of mixed swimming. If you haven’t read those articles yet, please take a look, then come back to read the rest of this article!

The definition

While many females try to rationalize why they think it’s okay to wear bikinis in the summer, it’s important to take a true look at what God thinks about the issue. 1 Timothy 2:9: “Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly…” That verse may not sound like much yet, but it’s more loaded than you probably realize. We’re just going to look at one word in that verse. Dictionary.com defines modest as “having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one’s merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.”

Let’s take a closer look at that definition (click on the links to read the full definitions). As much as we may want to deny it, bikinis aren’t free from vanity, especially since most girls wear them to look good and show off their bodies, or to fit in. Wearing immodest clothing also demonstrates that we’ve chosen to not consider how much this makes guys struggle, which displays a bit of egotism. Wearing bikinis can be considered boastfulness, since we’re showing others that we are glorifying our own bodies by showing them off, and it is also pretentious, since we’re saying––either consciously or unconsciously––that we’re important enough that it doesn’t matter how our suit (or lack thereof) may make others feel.

If that’s not enough…

ss6It would be completely inappropriate for a girl to walk around the mall wearing nothing but her underwear. She’d probably be escorted out by the mall police! Yet, that same girl could walk around outside, just a few miles away from the mall, wearing something that covers the same amount of skin that her underwear covers, and that’s socially acceptable because she’s at a swimming pool.

Think about this––if you were changing in your room and someone walked in on you while you were in your underwear, you’d probably be furious. But, that same person could see you at the pool wearing a suit that covers nothing more than the underwear you were seen in, and somehow that seems okay.

Socially, bikinis are acceptable, but spiritually, what’s the difference between strutting around in a bikini, and wearing underwear out in public? I’ve yet to find one!

If you’re struggling with the issue of wanting to wear a bikini (or any other immodest clothing) this summer, please pray about it and speak to a mature Christian woman who can guide you. You can be stylish while still looking like a Christian, and having someone to hold you accountable for your wardrobe may be just the nudge you need to dress in a way to glorify Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Coming up

Later, we’re going to explore a great web-store that’s full of really cute and modest bathing suits! In the meantime, pray hard about your wardrobe, ask God to convict you of your sin, find a mentor if you need one, and begin thinking about the possibility of wearing a modest bathing suit this summer.

By Davonne Parks

Comments

  1. Greetings! Noticed your article on modest swimwear and appreciated your candid observations.

    Would you be interested in writing a guest post on this topic on my blog? (www.empoweredtraditionalist.com) I would love to promote your blog and I think my readers would appreciate your comments on the “swimsuit” issue.

    -Let me know,
    CT

  2. Christa,

    I e-mailed you regarding a guest post. If you didn’t receive my e-mail, please contact me by clicking on my name and following the instructions.

    Thanks!

  3. Please check out my site! I custom make swimwear to the measurements you provide and the length you desire!

  4. I love this article! In a world where we struggle to be polite and PC, this spells it out. Thanks!

    BTW – http://www.modestymatters.net will teach anyone (of any skill level), through step-by-step video demonstration, how to make themselves a modest, yet attractive, swim suit. Go to their downloads section. :o)

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