• Home
  • Welcome- Start Here
  • Statement of Faith
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Bible Studies
  • Contact and Social Media
  • Bio
  • Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends
  • Recommended Bible Teachers
  • Photos
  • Financial Support
  • Searching for a new church?
  • Biblical Counseling Resources
  • The Servanthood Survey
  • Podcast

Michelle Lesley

~ Discipleship for Christian Women

Michelle Lesley

Tag Archives: should christians wear bikinis

Throwback Thursday ~ The Mailbag: Is It OK for Christian Women to Wear Bikinis?

28 Thursday Feb 2019

Posted by Michelle Lesley in Mailbag

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Bikinis, Christian modesty, Christian swimsuits, Christian swimwear, Modest swimsuits, modest swimwear, Modesty, should christians wear bikinis

It’s that time of year again, ladies :0)

Originally published February 27, 2017

mailbag

 

Summer is just around the corner, so a lot of women will soon be shopping for swimwear. With regard to modesty- do you think it’s OK for Christian women to wear bikinis?

I’m trying to remember back to the days when I might have actually considered – without doubling over in laughter – wearing a bikini. It was a really long time ago. Young, svelte sisters, if I may bring you a bit of comfort- you won’t have to grapple with this question for the rest of your life. As your other older sisters and I can attest, one day, age-appropriateness, your figure, sun exposure, and the desire not to frighten people will make this decision for you long before you have to consider modesty as part of the equation. It’s one of the blessings of getting older.

Just to make sure we’re all on the same page here, let’s quickly define our terms. When I say “bikini,” I’m talking about the fabric equivalent of a bra and panties, not swimwear that covers a lot more yet comes in two pieces.

bikini-377488_1280women_in_bathing_suits_on_collaroy_beach_1908_photographed_by_colin_caird
     bikini                           not bikinis

Generally speaking, I don’t think bikinis are wise in public unless you’re wearing a shirt or some kind of cover up over it. I’m reluctant to make a hard and fast law about it, though, because, as I’m sure you’re aware, the Bible doesn’t say “Thou shalt not wear a bikini.” (My husband would like to chime in here and says, “However, if you and your husband have a private place for just the two of you to swim or sunbathe, go for it!” You’re welcome, guys.)

As with various other issues, the Bible gives us a general principle (in this case about dressing modestly) and we work out our own salvation in our own cultural context according to all pertinent biblical principles and our own consciences. A law is a fast and easy “yes” or “no” answer to our question- which is often what our flesh wants, because our flesh is lazy. But what God wants Christians to do is study His word about the issue, pray, and ask Him for wisdom to make a godly decision. When we work through this process, it helps us to develop a greater desire to be conformed to the image of Christ and to be obedient to Him. Let’s take a look at just one passage of Scripture that could be helpful in this regard:

3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:3-8 

So, at first glance, you might wonder, “What in the world does this passage have to do with wearing a bikini?” It doesn’t have anything to do with the bikini itself, it zeros in on your heart (Why do you want to wear a bikini?) and your sanctification (Will wearing a bikini make me more Christlike?).

Verse 3a:
Examine your heart- could your motive for wearing a bikini be classified as selfish ambition or vain conceit? Is it possible you want to show your body off to men to appear desirable, or to women to make them jealous?

Verse 3b-4:
Is this a situation in which you should humble yourself and put the interests of those men who might be tempted to lust or those women who might be tempted to covet ahead of your own desire to appear attractive?

Verse 5:
Do you truly desire to have the same mindset as Christ- about this issue and all others?

Verse 6-8:
How did Jesus approach life, according to these verses? He set aside His own rights and privileges (6), He took on the role of a servant (7), He humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death (8).

When it comes to wearing a bikini, are you willing to have the same mindset as Christ? To set aside your own rights and privileges, be a servant to others, humble yourself, and obey Christ even to the point of death?

These are not questions God wants me to answer for you. These are questions He wants you to come to Him and answer, because He wants your heart. And He wants you to examine your heart and see if it belongs to Him in this area.


If you have a question about: a Bible passage, an aspect of theology, a current issue in Christianity, or how to biblically handle a family, life, or church situation, comment below (I’ll hold all questions in queue {unpublished} for a future edition of The Mailbag) or send me an e-mail or private message. If your question is chosen for publication, your anonymity will be protected.

Share this:

  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • More
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print
  • Email
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Skype
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

Throwback Thursday ~ The Mailbag: Is It OK for Christian Women to Wear Bikinis?

19 Thursday Apr 2018

Posted by Michelle Lesley in Mailbag

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Bikinis, Christian modesty, Christian swimsuits, Christian swimwear, Modest swimsuits, modest swimwear, Modesty, should christians wear bikinis

It’s that time of year again, ladies :0)

Originally published February 27, 2017

mailbag

 

Summer is just around the corner, so a lot of women will soon be shopping for swimwear. With regard to modesty- do you think it’s OK for Christian women to wear bikinis?

I’m trying to remember back to the days when I might have actually considered – without doubling over in laughter – wearing a bikini. It was a really long time ago. Young, svelte sisters, if I may bring you a bit of comfort- you won’t have to grapple with this question for the rest of your life. As your other older sisters and I can attest, one day, age-appropriateness, your figure, sun exposure, and the desire not to frighten people will make this decision for you long before you have to consider modesty as part of the equation. It’s one of the blessings of getting older.

Just to make sure we’re all on the same page here, let’s quickly define our terms. When I say “bikini,” I’m talking about the fabric equivalent of a bra and panties, not swimwear that covers a lot more yet comes in two pieces.

bikini-377488_1280women_in_bathing_suits_on_collaroy_beach_1908_photographed_by_colin_caird
     bikini                           not bikinis

Generally speaking, I don’t think bikinis are wise in public unless you’re wearing a shirt or some kind of cover up over it. I’m reluctant to make a hard and fast law about it, though, because, as I’m sure you’re aware, the Bible doesn’t say “Thou shalt not wear a bikini.” (My husband would like to chime in here and says, “However, if you and your husband have a private place for just the two of you to swim or sunbathe, go for it!” You’re welcome, guys.)

As with various other issues, the Bible gives us a general principle (in this case about dressing modestly) and we work out our own salvation in our own cultural context according to all pertinent biblical principles and our own consciences. A law is a fast and easy “yes” or “no” answer to our question- which is often what our flesh wants, because our flesh is lazy. But what God wants Christians to do is study His word about the issue, pray, and ask Him for wisdom to make a godly decision. When we work through this process, it helps us to develop a greater desire to be conformed to the image of Christ and to be obedient to Him. Let’s take a look at just one passage of Scripture that could be helpful in this regard:

3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:3-8 

So, at first glance, you might wonder, “What in the world does this passage have to do with wearing a bikini?” It doesn’t have anything to do with the bikini itself, it zeros in on your heart (Why do you want to wear a bikini?) and your sanctification (Will wearing a bikini make me more Christlike?).

Verse 3a:
Examine your heart- could your motive for wearing a bikini be classified as selfish ambition or vain conceit? Is it possible you want to show your body off to men to appear desirable, or to women to make them jealous?

Verse 3b-4:
Is this a situation in which you should humble yourself and put the interests of those men who might be tempted to lust or those women who might be tempted to covet ahead of your own desire to appear attractive?

Verse 5:
Do you truly desire to have the same mindset as Christ- about this issue and all others?

Verse 6-8:
How did Jesus approach life, according to these verses? He set aside His own rights and privileges (6), He took on the role of a servant (7), He humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death (8).

When it comes to wearing a bikini, are you willing to have the same mindset as Christ? To set aside your own rights and privileges, be a servant to others, humble yourself, and obey Christ even to the point of death?

These are not questions God wants me to answer for you. These are questions He wants you to come to Him and answer, because He wants your heart. And He wants you to examine your heart and see if it belongs to Him in this area.


If you have a question about: a Bible passage, an aspect of theology, a current issue in Christianity, or how to biblically handle a family, life, or church situation, comment below (I’ll hold all questions in queue {unpublished} for a future edition of The Mailbag) or send me an e-mail or private message. If your question is chosen for publication, your anonymity will be protected.

Share this:

  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • More
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print
  • Email
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Skype
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Mailbag: Is It OK for Christian Women to Wear Bikinis?

27 Monday Feb 2017

Posted by Michelle Lesley in Mailbag

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Bikinis, Christian modesty, Christian swimsuits, Christian swimwear, Modest swimsuits, modest swimwear, Modesty, should christians wear bikinis

mailbag

 

Summer is just around the corner, so a lot of women will soon be shopping for swimwear. With regard to modesty- do you think it’s OK for Christian women to wear bikinis?

I’m trying to remember back to the days when I might have actually considered – without doubling over in laughter – wearing a bikini. It was a really long time ago. Young, svelte sisters, if I may bring you a bit of comfort- you won’t have to grapple with this question for the rest of your life. As your other older sisters and I can attest, one day, age-appropriateness, your figure, sun exposure, and the desire not to frighten people will make this decision for you long before you have to consider modesty as part of the equation. It’s one of the blessings of getting older.

Just to make sure we’re all on the same page here, let’s quickly define our terms. When I say “bikini,” I’m talking about the fabric equivalent of a bra and panties, not swimwear that covers a lot more yet comes in two pieces.

bikini-377488_1280women_in_bathing_suits_on_collaroy_beach_1908_photographed_by_colin_caird
     bikini                           not bikinis

Generally speaking, I don’t think bikinis are wise in public unless you’re wearing a shirt or some kind of cover up over it. I’m reluctant to make a hard and fast law about it, though, because, as I’m sure you’re aware, the Bible doesn’t say “Thou shalt not wear a bikini.” (My husband would like to chime in here and says, “However, if you and your husband have a private place for just the two of you to swim or sunbathe, go for it!” You’re welcome, guys.)

As with various other issues, the Bible gives us a general principle (in this case about dressing modestly) and we work out our own salvation in our own cultural context according to all pertinent biblical principles and our own consciences. A law is a fast and easy “yes” or “no” answer to our question- which is often what our flesh wants, because our flesh is lazy. But what God wants Christians to do is study His word about the issue, pray, and ask Him for wisdom to make a godly decision. When we work through this process, it helps us to develop a greater desire to be conformed to the image of Christ and to be obedient to Him. Let’s take a look at just one passage of Scripture that could be helpful in this regard:

3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:3-8 

So, at first glance, you might wonder, “What in the world does this passage have to do with wearing a bikini?” It doesn’t have anything to do with the bikini itself, it zeros in on your heart (Why do you want to wear a bikini?) and your sanctification (Will wearing a bikini make me more Christlike?).

Verse 3a:
Examine your heart- could your motive for wearing a bikini be classified as selfish ambition or vain conceit? Is it possible you want to show your body off to men to appear desirable, or to women to make them jealous?

Verse 3b-4:
Is this a situation in which you should humble yourself and put the interests of those men who might be tempted to lust or those women who might be tempted to covet ahead of your own desire to appear attractive?

Verse 5:
Do you truly desire to have the same mindset as Christ- about this issue and all others?

Verse 6-8:
How did Jesus approach life, according to these verses? He set aside His own rights and privileges (6), He took on the role of a servant (7), He humbled Himself and was obedient to the point of death (8).

When it comes to wearing a bikini, are you willing to have the same mindset as Christ? To set aside your own rights and privileges, be a servant to others, humble yourself, and obey Christ even to the point of death?

These are not questions God wants me to answer for you. These are questions He wants you to come to Him and answer, because He wants your heart. And He wants you to examine your heart and see if it belongs to Him in this area.


If you have a question about: a Bible passage, an aspect of theology, a current issue in Christianity, or how to biblically handle a family, life, or church situation, comment below (I’ll hold all questions in queue {unpublished} for a future edition of The Mailbag) or send me an e-mail or private message. If your question is chosen for publication, your anonymity will be protected.

Share this:

  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • More
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Print
  • Email
  • Reddit
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Skype
  • LinkedIn

Like this:

Like Loading...

WELCOME!

If you're new or would like to comment, please see the "Welcome- Start Here" tab at the top of this page. All comments are handled manually, and I do not publish comments which promote false doctrine. Thanks for stopping by!

Social Media

  • View MichelleLesleyDiscipleship’s profile on Facebook
  • View @MichelleDLesley’s profile on Twitter
  • View MDLesley’s profile on Instagram
  • View MLesleyAuthor’s profile on Pinterest

Good News!

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 16,641 other followers

Follow Michelle Lesley on WordPress.com

Want to support us financially?

Top Posts & Pages

  • The Mailbag: My kid knows the truth about Santa. What if he tells his friends who don't?
    The Mailbag: My kid knows the truth about Santa. What if he tells his friends who don't?
  • Leaving Lysa: Why You Shouldn't Be Following Lysa TerKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries
    Leaving Lysa: Why You Shouldn't Be Following Lysa TerKeurst or Proverbs 31 Ministries
  • Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends
    Popular False Teachers & Unbiblical Trends
  • Is Christmas Pagan?
    Is Christmas Pagan?
  • Top 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time ~ 2
    Top 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time ~ 2
  • Top 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time
    Top 10 Worst Christmas Songs of All Time
  • Going Beyond Scripture: Why It's Time to Say Good-Bye to Priscilla Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries
    Going Beyond Scripture: Why It's Time to Say Good-Bye to Priscilla Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries
  • Recommended Bible Teachers
    Recommended Bible Teachers
  • Guest Post: Why I Left Elevation Church
    Guest Post: Why I Left Elevation Church
  • The Mailbag: What should we tell our kids about Santa Claus?
    The Mailbag: What should we tell our kids about Santa Claus?

1 John Bible Study 1&2 Timothy Bible Study Abortion Apologetics Basic Training Bible Bible Study Biblical Resources Biblical Womanhood Bible Study Blog Swap Book Book Reviews Calvinism/Arminianism Celebrity Pastors Christian women Christmas Church Colossians Bible Study Complementarianism Creation Death Discernment Doctrinally Sound Teachers Easter Encouragement Entertainment Evangelism Evolution Ezra Bible Study Faith False Doctrine False Teachers Favorite Finds Forgiveness Giveaway Gospel Gratitude Guest Posts Heaven Hell Holidays (Other) Homosexuality Idolatry In Case You Were Wondering Jacob Jonah Bible Study Justice Mailbag Mark Bible Study Marriage Men Ministry Missions Movies New Apostolic Reformation New Testament Obedience Old Testament Parenting Podcast Appearances Poetry Politics Pop Theology Prayer Prayer Bible Study Random Ramblings Ruminations Resources Reformation Day Relationships Rock Your Role Ruth Bible Study Salvation Sanctification Second Coming Sermons Servanthood Sin Social Media Southern Baptist/SBC Sovereignty of God Speaking Engagements Special Events Suffering Sunday School Television Testimony Tuesday Thanks/Thanksgiving The Ten (10 Commandments Bible Study) Throwback Thursday Top 10 Tough Passages Tragedy Trust Types and Shadows Uncategorized Vlogs Wednesday's Word Women Women of Genesis Bible Study Word of Faith Movement Worship

Blogs and Podcasts I Follow

  • Delivered By Grace
  • Equipping Eve
  • Fighting for the Faith
  • For the Gospel
  • Just Thinking
  • Pastor Gabe's Blog
  • Sheologians
  • The Cripplegate
  • The Hero of the Story
  • The Sword and The Trowel
  • Theology Gals
  • Theology. Driven.
  • Things Above Us
  • Tim Challies
  • Voice of Reason Radio
  • Wretched with Todd Friel
  • WWUTT (When We Understand the Text)

Links I Love!

  • Answers in Genesis
  • Berean Research
  • Bible Gateway- Fantastic concordance and other Bible tools
  • CARM- Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
  • Christian Answers for the New Age (Marcia Montenegro)
  • Founders Ministries
  • Got Questions Bible questions answered!
  • Grace to You
  • Ligonier Ministries

Archives

December 2019
S M T W T F S
« Nov    
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031  

Blog Stats

  • 2,611,407 hits

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Cancel
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: