Yes, it is that time of the year where the winter clothes are put away and the summer clothing comes out (what little there is). It used to be that skimpy clothing was only worn on the beach. This is no longer true as similar attire can be found at the grocery story, on the street and even at school. Sadly, the line between the way saints dress and the way the worldly dress seems increasingly less distinct.

The obvious reason has to do with conformity (Rom. 12:1-2). When the majority of the world approves of immodest apparel, those opposed are viewed as oddballs, weird, strange or out of touch. Christians are viewed this way because they are making a big deal out of that which is not a big deal to the ungodly.

Children of God should not just to familiarize themselves with I Timothy 2:9 but need to actually think about what it means. If someone were to ask you, “What is immodest apparel?” most people would probably name revealing articles of clothing. This response is not wrong, but we should give the issue a little more thought so we can understand what God views as immodest apparel and why He is concerned with it.

Consider the word licentiousness (lasciviousness in some translations) (Gal. 5:19). This term helps explain the concept of “immodest apparel” and is described as a work of the flesh. The word means filthy, unbridled lust, shamelessness, wantonness. Also the idea of exciting disgust. This not only has to do with moving one’s body to incite such feelings but also with what one wears.

Those wearing immodest apparel may argue that they cannot control those lusting after them. There is some truth to this, but those who lust after others are without excuse (Matt. 5:28). It is naïve to think that what we wear or do not wear will not impact how we are viewed. Remember, there is such thing as the attire of a harlot (Prov. 7:10). As the temperatures rise, may we all remember who we are and how we are to let our light shine (Matt. 5:13-16).

Chuck 

Please think about this 

 

Our Savior was the master teacher and He always exhorted his listeners to think (Matt. 18:12; 21:28). Oftentimes, the Lord’s words took people to places they did not want to go. This often troubled those who were trying to catch Him in His words. I bring this up because I want to bring up a very sensitive subject. My approach will be a little different. I will pose the question and then explore some potential answers.

 

Why do people not consider it immodest to wear a modern swimsuit in public?

 

Most religious people know the Bible speaks of immodesty (I Tim. 2:9).  I do not know of any godly woman who wants to dress like a harlot (Prov. 7:10). Therefore, I will do my best to answer the question by thinking how a sincere person would approach it. I will then compare that answer with what the Bible says.

 

“This is not immodest because of where I am wearing it”

 

Obviously, no Christian woman would wear her bathing suit to a potluck, church service or other gathering where she was the only person dressed that way. But why do so many people consider this same apparel to be acceptable at the beach or a pool? Would God approve of such dress simply because everyone around you is also dressed a certain way? According to His word, no. Dress that is too revealing is lascivious no matter where you wear it (Eph. 4:19).

 

This makes sense – the revealing nature of one’s dress is not changed based on surroundings. Location, then, does not determine whether something is immodest or not.

 

“This is not immodest because of what I am doing”

This argument seems appealing on the surface. Going swimming or playing volleyball, for example, both require good mobility. Clothing can obviously be restrictive in these situations. Leading cheers and dancing also require freedom of movement, hence the minimal attire people wear. God understands this, right?

 

The problem is, God does not recognize this distinction. Immodest dress is still such, no matter what you are doing in public. Saints are to always be letting their lights shine in public (Matt. 5:13-16).

 

“This is not immodest because others are dressed the same”

This also seems logical. Christian women might not consider what they their attire immodest if they blend in with everyone around them.  If everyone is dressed the same way, that Christian will not draw excess attention.

 

The problem is that this argument again has Christians conforming to the world when we are warned not to (Rom. 12:1-2). The lust of the flesh is everywhere (I John 2:15-16), and we are not to love the world.

 

 

 

 

“This is not immodest because it is not my intention”

Much of the Bible describes the importance of our heart. Are modern bathing suits acceptable if the Christian does not intend to be immodest? And what of those looking – do they not also have a responsibility to control their thoughts.

 

This final argument seeks to shift the blame. Adorning oneself with modest apparel starts with a good heart, so logically our heart can be revealed in the way we dress (I Pet. 3:1-4).

 

                                                                                    Chuck