Should a Christian Wear Bikini?

On By EfuaIn bible, christian, Christian blogging, christianity, life

If you have been following my blog for a while, you will realise that i sometimes like to write on topics we often trend on carefully in the church. To be honest, this is one of the reasons why i blog. I was tired of reading and hearing believers not for or against anything. The spirit of political correctness has indeed invaded the body of Christ and it’s almost like it’s difficult to comment on anything without including a ‘safety’ caveat. I often tell people that we can’t be believers of Christ without studying His word. And personally i am not one to take what i hear. I take what the bible says. So this post like my other posts is going to be based on the word of God.

Should a christian wear a bikini?

Every time i have thought about this question (even before i was saved), my answer has never changed. But before i delve into this topic i would like us to see these scriptures.

Proverbs 11:22 “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

 Romans 13:14-15 “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

1 Corinthians 8:9 “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

In my post The Power of Nudity | The Spirit of Lust, i spoke about what it means to be naked and the spiritual implications of nudity. The argument many have with regards to wearing of bikinis is that it is in a different environment and as such is acceptable. However i have searched my bible to see if there is any place where it says we are allowed to ignore the concept of modesty. But i couldn’t find any bible verse. I have seen people who are so keen on the message of modesty but are very comfortable with putting pics of them wearing bikinis on holiday on social media.

“What is wrong with wearing bikinis?” You may ask.

I would like to begin answering this by asking “what made you buy that particular bikini?” Why didn’t you pick a different swim wear?

I Corinthians 8:9 talks about us not being stumbling blocks. This scripture is often used in church and it is correct. We shouldn’t be stumbling blocks to people in church. But if we look at this scripture and the others cited above carefully, we will realise that they don’t apply only in church meetings or just within the four walls of a church building. If showing a little bit of cleavage in church is deemed as being a stumbling block, what makes it then acceptable to do it in a public swimming pool or beach?

Is God only to be honoured in church buildings?

If we agree He is everywhere, then of course He sees us everywhere. Why do we care so much about not being stumbling blocks to those within the church but we don’t care about those outside? Does holiness not apply outside the church? We are the light of the world. Right? Isn’t our light supposed to shine in these locations too? Aren’t we supposed to be representatives of Christ in these places? Or have we forgotten that Jesus Christ cares about those souls the same way He does care about the once we see on Sundays? 

“Your conviction is not my conviction”. “God looks at the heart”.

Two true statements i hear often but often used in wrong ways. Of course our convictions are different. However i struggle to understand how a believer (i don’t mean a new believer. I mean someone who claims to have known Jesus for a while and claims to be His true follower) is not convicted when exposing body parts. It beats my imagination. Or could it be that the convictions are no longer there because it’s been ignored for so long? Is like living in a very noisy environment. The longer you live there, the more you become desensitised to the noise. But visitors will notice the noise easily. Could it be that the Holy Spirit has been speaking and His voice has been silenced due to disobedience? Why are we comfortable in making someone who isn’t our husband see the most intimate parts of our bodies?

God looks at the heart. But our actions reflect the state of our heart; hence the bible tells us to guard our hearts.

I understand that guys can also be stumbling blocks but as they don’t wear bikinis, this post is for sisters. I also understand that we all need to guard our hearts and have self control. I am not in anyway blaming the lust on females alone. However we need to play our part. If we are for Christ, and we are disciples of Christ, we CANNOT behave exactly like the world. There is a reason why the early Christians were called Christians. It was because they acted like Christ.

During the London Olympics, there was a Muslim girl who refused to wear the conventional bikini to compete as a swimmer because it was against her faith. That news shock me to my core! Waooo! How many believers would do that. We find ways to justify gratification of the flesh. We twist scriptures to suit our fleshy desires. We are bent on not doing it the godly way because it isn’t cool anymore to be sold out to Christ. We dilute biblical standards of holiness so we can be accepted by the world. Have we not read it several times in the bible that we are not of the world? That we have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light? Don’t we know that we are not ours? That body we are displaying for people to see is supposed to be used to worship God?

I have realised that if we really want to honour God this way, we will find ways to go about this issue. There are modest swim wears sold everywhere. There are scarves you can tie around your waist instead of walking miles in the beach half naked.

Daniel proposed in his heart not to defile himself with the kings meal. As a result, he found a way to go about his decision. Decide you will be the few who honour God this way and find a way to go about your decision. If a mini skirt can be a source of distraction outside the beach, a bikini can do just that at the beach. God cares about everyone including the guys at the pool. 

What are your take?

 

 

 

 

97 thoughts on “Should a Christian Wear Bikini?”

  2. I agree. Although CS Lewis did say standards of modesty are different in different cultures, I still think we should be conformed to God’s will, not just a cultural norm. As a man I can testify that bikinis aren’t helpful for my sanctification, but I’m glad this post came from you because I’m sure people will recieve it better coming from a lady than a man! 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

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    1. God’s word is our landmark. I pray this encourages and challenges us to do better. If our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, we should pay attention to how God wants us to treat His temple.

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  3. Great message Sis!

    This happens to be part of the “all things become new,” WHEN WE’RE TRULY BORN AGAIN!

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation..2 Corinthians 5:17-18

    As we grow closer with the Lord, WHEN WE’RE TRULY BORN AGAIN, A LOT of our views and perspectives will shift and bring about change. The Holy Spirit will begin to deal with our hearts and minds, subsequently causing us to truly evaluate the things we do, and we’ll begin to make changes. This really began to take root in my life beginning 11 years ago, and it was as if the Lord was leading me to draw lines in the sand. Things I use to do, I no longer did, and it was as if my belief system was getting a complete overhaul.

    This is one of those topics that many do shy away from and others believe there’s no harm, but when we look through spiritual lenses we’re able to see that women dressing sensually can in fact be one of the things that sets them up to be targets for sexual harassment and sexual abuse. Should this be? Absolutely not, but it’s where we are now! I know women want to look great, and I’m not knocking that a bit, but they also must be mindful of what they can potentially open themselves up to experience. It’s sad that it’s come to that, but in actuality it’s been like that for years…

    Great message!!

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    1. Yes bro! We can’t claim to be His and not act like Him! I’m glad that people see this issue the same way I do because it’s been on my heart for a while. We can’t pick and choose how we want to honour God. He sets the standard for us to follow. There is absolutely nothing godly about being naked.

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  7. Thank you for posting this. I cringe when I hear women say if the men lust after them it’s their (the men’s) problem. Men are naturally wired to respond certain ways. It does not make them evil, this is the way God created them. To wear revealing clothing around brothers who are trying to live godly lives is the opposite of the way we are supposed to be treating one another. It’s blatantly disobeying the Golden Rule. It’s also doing a great disservice to your husband (or future husband) by showing the world what should be for his eyes only.

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    1. I agree 💯. We need to stop talking about this issue as though we are walking on eggshell. We should call a spade a spade. Many people are out there helping the devil carry out his plans. It’s either we are on the side of Christ or on the side of the devil. We can’t be on both teams

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  9. Thank you sis. This is such an important topic that couldn’t have come at a better time. You have spoken so well and very loud and likewise all those that commented. I will just add that we shouldn’t forget that “the church isn’t the building, we are the church”

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  10. I agree with you on this topic completely. And I’m with Tosin — I don’t wear anything strapless either! Not so much out of a sense of legalism, but rather because I simply wouldn’t be comfortable. I recognize that there are others who do not share this view, however.

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  13. Very controversial topic but you tackle it with zeal based on the Word of God.Wearing a bikini at a beach? Personally, I prefer to leave that decision to the individual. God will not condemn you if you do.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks for reading and commenting sis. I believe that God never condemns us when we sin but He certainly does condemns our sins. I also believe that as believers the bible is our blueprint. And if our body is His temple, He expects us to use His manual on how to honour Him with our bodies. I tried as much as possible to ensure that I had scriptures to back up this post because I didn’t want to write what I felt but what God says about modesty. I agree moderation and modesty are relative. But wearing something that exposes the very parts of us that should be covered isn’t something I believe God will smile at. There is really no reason for it apart from our flesh which is constantly fighting against our ability to please God. I pray we all desire holiness more than we desire compromise and yielding to the flesh🙏🏾 (I am not saying you are agreeing to compromise😊❤️)

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  15. Amen! Amen! and Amen! Efua, you have God’s heart and mind here. I talk about modesty and I think I am largely ignored, perhaps thought to be an “old fogie,” because I am nearly 70 years old. When I was younger, I went through a period of time when I compromised with the world on those issues, but when the Lord got a hold of my heart again, I have worked hard to make sure i remain modest always in all of my dress. I don’t think I have even worn a swimming suit for maybe 20 years. Not any kind. I wouldn’t be comfortable showing that much skin. I don’t wear shorts, just capris in the summer months, and I make certain not too much skin is showing from the neck down. Modesty seems to be antiquated these days. But, it is absolutely biblical and critical, too.

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    1. Good on you sis. I agree that our convictions regarding what we can wear are different. Some are ok with wearing off the shoulder or cold shoulder outfits. Some are not. Some are ok with wearing jeans and pants while others aren’t. This is where personal convictions I think comes to play. The bottom line for me is, if what is supposed to be concealed is being revealed, there is a problem.

      And besides, you aren’t an “old fogie”. You are a wise woman and we need more older women like you to teach us. God bless you my sis🙏🏾

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  16. That’s a good one Efua. It may seem quite hard but sometimes the truth hurt. As we grow with God and in God our sanctification also grows and God could give us specific instructions that could apply only to us.

    Notwithstanding this is the pure word of God and scripture has it role in rebuking and training in righteousness. So thumbs up Efua, May God grant us all grace to be instruments of righteousness regardless of our cultural differences.

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  17. jennacar

    I no longer go to beaches or pools where nearly naked hoards of folks are. There are some parts of you that only your spouse should ever see and it’s not just your nipples and your crotch.

    Liked by 1 person

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  18. Lana

    I agree – however what should one wear on a summer holiday do you think? You think shorts are ok? Not silly tight hot pants that seem to be the fashion in England right now, just regular shorts or … a shorter flared skirt for comfort and in order to air the legs, especially if you come from a cold country and need vitamin D dosage?

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hi Lana. Thanks for stopping by😊. Great to have another follower from England. I live in Manchester. Where do you live if you don’t mind me asking? Personally I don’t have a problem with short or flared skirts. I don’t think Jesus wants us to suffocate😂. But I know He doesn’t want his reps walking around in those shorts we see people wear in England😁. I think once you are not naked, and your spirit is ok with what you are wearing, then that is fine.

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  19. Remen

    Wow! Very controversial topic and i will use myself as an example even though i have never worn a bikini. While i have had to wear shorts sometimes due to the hot texas weather, i have always been conscious of how i look or what i portrayed with the way am dressed . As a believer who is also striving each day to be what God wants me to be,two things cross my mind each time i want to go out of the house. The first is what is my purpose or mindset for putting this on, and will this cause others to sin against God? This questions always keep me in check. Great write up as always. We continually pray for God’s wisdom.

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  22. THANK YOU for your Spirit-filled treatment of this subject. Especially discussing your points from Scripture. Bikinis are popular…but are they not stumbling blocks for some? Yes. but each must choose how to implement this in light of other folk’s especially men and young girls—consciences!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you for reading, commenting and reblogging. It was important I use scriptures in this post because I didn’t want it to be what I think. I know there are certain things in the bible that aren’t black and white. But i don’t think this is one of them (well for those who truly want to identify with Christ). God bless you.

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      3. Just a guess. Generally only those active in ministry have the grasp of God’s word that your post shows. In case you’ve wondered…..I HAVE been actively involved in church and parachurch ministry over the years…but my primary ministries now are my disabled wife…and my blogging/poetry (?) .

        Liked by 1 person

  24. You really hit the nail on this one, really appreciate your boldness and passion. I use to have the same exact questions and convictions myself. Because if we’re suppose to honor God with our bodies, and essentially our lives, then should we not make that choice? And I definitely agree, “church culture” definitely has a lot of contradictions where everything become so “picky-choosy”.

    Are you from NY because I’d love to talk more and carry on with the convo haha?!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi sis. Thanks for stopping by. I think most believers know we shouldn’t but allow compromise get in the way.

      I live in Manchester, England. And yes we can talk more😊

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  25. Hi Efua,

    I agree with you wholeheartedly.

    I was challenged by the Lord some years ago about what is acceptable for a Christian woman to wear, and I changed many of the clothing items in my wardrobe as a consequence.

    I then was able to write about what I had learnt at https://grainofwheatblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/08/why-modesty-matters-for-christian-women-2/ and I ended the article with some practical suggestions about clothing, which included the following about swimwear.

    “Think about swimwear. Normally this is underwear on the beach in public! However, I have just found another blogger who recommended the following site for alternative, modest coverings for swimming and beach use. They offer tunic dresses, skirts and leggings in lycra – meanttobemodest.com. It’s worth considering adapting her ideas in any case.”

    Hope that helps some of your future readers perhaps.

    Blessings to you
    Also from England,
    Helen x

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Helen. Thanks so much for your comment. I haven’t heard about that website before but I will check them out. I will also read your post about modesty. Good to know you are from England too. I live in Manchester. Whereabout are you?

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  26. I also listened to an excellent speaker on this immodesty subject. She referred to the song, “Yellow polka dot bikini,” saying that when this type of “Swimwear” was first invented, it was exceedingly shocking. Wikipedia says the song came out, “At a time when bikini bathing suits were still seen as too risqué to be mainstream…”

    But as time has marched on, people’s modesty consciences have been seared, just like the tale of the frog being boiled to death in a slowly heated pan of water, so too people are more and more accepting of public nakedness.

    You may be interested to consider the lyrics of the “Bikini” song, that came out in 1960, when the times were changing – and not for the better.

    She was afraid to come out of the locker
    She was as nervous as she could be
    She was afraid to come out of the locker
    She was afraid that somebody would see
    Two, three, four, tell the people what she wore!

    It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka-dot bikini
    That she wore for the first time today.
    An itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka-dot bikini
    So in the locker she wanted to stay.
    Two, three, four, stick around we’ll tell you more!

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  28. Praise the Lord Jesus! I think this is such an important topic! How do we honor the Lord with the skin we expose? Collar bones and ankles do not have the same effect on people as they once did. People aren’t stumbling because most I’m assuming do not look at ankles in a lustful way. But the more and more we shed clothing the more and more we give to the world. We let eyes glance at us, and yet, point our fingers in the air, telling others NOT to look at us.

    While it’s true, people are absolutely accountable to their own thoughts and actions, we have to admit we may be stumbling others, and like you shared, not honoring the Lord with our modesty.

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  29. Pingback: Community Spotlight | June ’19 – Inside Cup

  31. The Eclectic Contrarian

    Ma’am, I wholeheartedly agree. But if bikinis were the only problem… yoga pants will make a man fall faster than anything in my opinion. I’m thankful some women have nice figures. If they aren’t married, a blessed man will be blessed by them. But! these britches leave little to the imagination. And far more prevalent than bikinis.

    Modesty is paramount. And no matter how women think nobody notices them or guys are just pervs, they don’t understand the human heart.

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    1. Modesty is paramount indeed! Of course it’s not just limited to bikinis. However I addressed the issue of bikinis because of what I have observed with Christian ladies. May we be modest in all things🙏🏾

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  32. Melina Johnson

    Some of us who say we are Christian have allowed Society to put us a place where we have become very selfish.
    Gal 2.20
    I have been crucified with Christ. >((It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.)) And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of (( LOVE THIS >God, who loved me and gave himself for me,))
    Every thing Jesus did he did it selflessly for us. Paul is another perfect example of living a selfless life. A life that will impart and change lives by bringing them to christ. This is our purpose on earth, to serve others and not to please our own Egos, and certainly not to entice other people whom pleases their own Egotistical pleasure . Remembering always that we are the salt of the earth, we are here to protect and to preserve.🙏

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  34. Pingback: Quotes From YOU | June ’19 – Inside Cup

  36. I have been on both sides of this issue. When I became saved I had no idea I needed to change the way I looked. I thought Jesus loves me I am good. But over time I have been convicted of more and more about all areas of my life not just clothing. I am in total agreement with you. I am ashamed of being a baby Christian looking the way I did, but honestly I didn’t know better.

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    1. I think many can relate with your comment. This post was written with matured believers in mind not really for new converts. It is very true that we all didn’t get here overnight. We’ve had to go through a process to get here and this isn’t even our final destination. This is more for those who have been believers for long and really don’t want to do better. I have seen believers who often preach and talk about modesty should know better but don’t see why this is a problem but see why this is a problem. I am glad that you are now on the other side sis. Thank God for helping us grow

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  37. Maurice Malcolm

    I will have to go over this posting because I need to go sleep but I must say I am very impressed, you are a LADY indeed that God must be pleased with. As a man and being save for 21 years I have seen a lot and heard a lot in the body of Christ. My eyes are filled with tears just to read your expression it is encouraging that there are women out there that uphold the standard. You also help to remind me that I have something I could write about I would privately share the topic with you so you may research and write about it too. It is something that revealed to me late 2017 and in 2018 I speak about it to some people. You are a good writer you might write better than me I just decided to start blogging.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. I pray that God is pleased with me. I do fall short but I am learning to pick myself up quickly. Thanks for the compliment. With regards to the issue of modesty, I think many believers know what is right and wrong but they have chosen to please fleshy desires instead of following what God wants.

      Looking forward to hearing from you regarding your revelation from God.

      With regards to being a good writer, like I mentioned to someone earlier today, we all have enough in us to do what God has called us to do. So you are a good writer too. I only write what God wants me to the way I know how to.😊

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      1. Maurice

        Thanks for your response we all fall short at times we are living this human experience for trails, testings, mistakes, choices and influences. You are very much right on the choice many believers make to please fleshly desire and they know the truth and the Holy Ghost often deal with their conscience.
        Regarding my revelation: email me. My email is mmaurice35@gmail.com I know it will strike controversy but the genuine hearts will look into it and see the truth. This revelation may have sprang out of what I am going through and I have learned and observed many other men have gone through both Christians and non -Christians.
        The Bible says in Philippians 2: 3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” I am doing what the Bible says esteeming you better than myself. I thank God for your passion to do these writing, your encouragement will lift me to greater dimension, I will learn from you.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thanks again and a bigger thanks to God who gave us this gift to use for His glory. You can send me an email by using my contact page. Looking forward to hearing from you soon

        Like

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