We are in the midst of summer, the season of minimal dress. It is understandable that people would desire to be as comfortable as possible during triple digit weather. However, it is important to consider what God thinks of all the skin that is showing in our culture.
First, you will note that the world knows what it is they are doing. They realize the effects of clothing on the opposite sex. That is why adjectives like sexy, sensual, hot, daring, revealing and provocative are used to describe clothes and swimwear. With this in mind, consider the words of John, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
Second, consider that the occasion has no bearing on whether clothing is modest or not. Christians make a mistake when they think that there are times when they can lower their moral standards, and still be pleasing to God. A woman is not guiltless if she chooses an immodest gown because it is her wedding. A man is not allowed to be shirtless in public just because he is playing a game of pickup basketball. Immodesty is not allowed just because a Christian is going swimming. Short shorts or spandex tops that leave little to the imagination are not acceptable because they are part of a high school or youth sports team.
It is amazing that a Christian would not be caught dead exposed in their underwear, but will on occasion go out in public wearing swimwear that is every bit as revealing. What is the difference? There, of course, is no difference at all. I have actually spoken with Christians who recognize that it is wrong to swim in a public pool due to the immodesty of swimsuits, but will wear those same swimsuits in a private setting, while entertaining other Christians! “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Third, our standard of modesty is not set by the world. Too many will compare themselves to what the world does, and if they do not “go as far” as the ungodly, they consider themselves acceptable to God. It can’t be emphasized too strongly how dangerous this is. Paul wrote, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
“I would never wear short shorts, I make sure my shorts cover at least half my thigh.” (But, is God OK with you exposing half of your thigh?) “I don’t wear bikinis, they show too much. Instead, I always wear one piece bathing suits.” (But, is God OK with you wearing spandex and exposing cleavage?) I don’t wear leggings or jeggings, as they are too tight. (Really, but is God OK with you wearing those tight jeans?)
Fourth, the idea that I am not responsible for the sins of others, so I am free to dress in whatever I want, without criticism, is a worldly attitude that Christians should not entertain. I recently came across an article concerning Mayim Bialik, the new co-host of the game show Jeopardy. She has come under severe criticism, with many saying she should not be allowed to host. Why? Because she had the audacity to suggest that women dress modestly to decrease their danger of sexual assault. How dare she! In their minds, such statements blame the victim rather than the offender. This is absurd! It is no different than telling your child not to walk down a dark alley alone late at night. If he does and he gets robbed, it is not his “fault”, but it is something he could have avoided! Women are exhorted, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Fifth, it is wrong to think that God has not established a standard of modesty for Christians. Such a view is both illogical, and implicitly critical of God’s just nature. To think that God would command us to obey Him, and dress modestly, but then not to tell us what constitutes modest dress is untenable. It would make God capricious and unfair.
God actually has established concepts of what is and is not modest. It revolves around the concept of nakedness, and has been present from the very beginning. Take time to read and consider the following verses: (Genesis 3:7-10, 21; Exodus 28:42-42; Exodus 11:4-5; 18:13-14; Isaiah 47:2-3).
Simply put, what the world knows as sexually alluring clothing is clothing that God’s children should avoid. Clothes that expose the thigh or midriff. Clothes that show cleavage. Clothes that are see through or clingy. Clothes that are designed to elicit desire and lust. Clothes that are ostentatious and extravagant. All of these violate God’s standard of modesty.
We must be careful not to hold so strongly to our own desires regarding what we wear and how we present ourselves publicly that we disregard God’s will on the matter.
