As Christian women, we are called to dress modestly, with
decency and propriety. (1 Timothy 2:9) So, why is it that this command from God
-- this wonderful way to love our brothers (and sisters, by setting an example)
in Christ seems to get tossed out the window when we go to the beach? It’s a
question I’ve always had swimming around in my mind, something that’s always
bothered me. It just didn’t make sense, it didn’t line up. If I wouldn’t be
caught dead in a mini-skirt, underwear, or (fill in the blank) at the mall, church,
or any other public place, how come it was no big deal to wear it to the beach?
Because culture says it’s ok? Well, everyone else is doing it. Christians are
doing it, so that must make it okay, right? Not exactly. As my father has said
many times through the years, “If everyone jumps off a cliff, are you going to
do it, too!?” That one’s a bit extreme, but still the same principle. It’s
tempting to follow others and live by their standards, but that’s wrong. Jesus
Christ is the standard, and we are called to live by His Word.
Although this issue has
always bothered me, I’ve never questioned it. To be quite honest, I’ve never
questioned it because I didn’t want
to be the one to change. My intent here
is not to offend or condemn. I simply want to challenge you as my sisters in
Christ. After all, isn’t that what living life for Christ together is about? To
challenge one another, encourage one another, sharpen one another, and point
each other to Christ in order for Him to receive all the glory? I challenge
you, my sisters, to think about this, to pray about this, and to study this for
yourselves.
