Christians and the beach

[Scarletprayers]

Let's keep in mind though, though the OP's idea of modesty is a tad out there, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Modesty is still a good idea. I'm just not gonna wear a Burka or one of those suits being advertised.

A "tad" bit....................nicely put Emily Anne!

[Vickilynn]

A camisole under a blouse can also help to avoid bralines being seen.

Some years I found out that a Christian brother had gotten a glimpse of my, er, chest when I leaned over. He cherished that image and used it to commit mental adultery against his wife for years! How did I find out? Because he told me himself after my husband died - the guy started hitting on me, even though he was married.

I would hate for such a thing to happen to anyone else.

Shalom Sheya Joie,

A wise word of experience. Thank you for sharing that. We had something similar happen to some friends of ours and it caused terrible repercussions. The woman who wore modest clothing (long skirts, loose tops), had no idea that she did something in front of a man (not her husband) and the man was able to see part of her body that he used for sexual fantasy.

Please women, please be mindful.

[Scarletprayers]

Blame the victmin................................

[Vickilynn]

But really this is and should be more about us guys.

Orthodox Jews have a practice of guarding their eyes, and the men attempt to do this, which is why sometimes they look down, they are not being rude they are just guarding their eyes from the temptations of lust. They also do not go to the beach at all, ever, for this very reason.

This is a little far for us as Christian believers, but the concept is a worthy one. As men we need to guard our eyes, I have done a horrible job of this my entire life but am going to try to do better, by the grace of God and His help.

Shalom Smalcald,

Excellent advice. Amen!!

On the plane going from the US to Israel, the Orthodox men who were assigned seats next to women (not their wives), asked to be moved next to men. It may be extreme for us folks, but these practices are wise and help avoid sexual temptation.

[Vickilynn]

Blame the victmin................................

Shalom SP,

No, you misunderstand, I'm not blaming her at all! If you read my post, you'll see that I said she didn't know! I'm just saying that we women should be mindful of our weaker brothers and not do anything that gives them ammunition. I'm just saying that we women can unknowingly cause men to stumble by our attire and how we conduct ourselves and we should be mindful of causing our brothers to stumble. That is a Biblical foundation - we should not knowingly do anything to cause our brother to stumble.

[Wingwalker]

While I do myself dress more modestly than many other women in my area, why is this about women dressing modestly? What about what men wear or dont wear? This need not turn legalistic, because, as several posters have pointed out, its from within and attitude.

Even though, a woman may be dress less modest than others, its the responsibility for the man to turn his eyes away. Anyone remember King David and Bathsheba?

Yes, we as Christians do have a moral responsiblity about ourselves. God will hold each and everyone of us accountable. Accountable how we present ourselves and how we treat/view others. Our thoughts are also accountable. Are we thinkinkg lustful thoughts or evil thoughts? Just because a woman or man is wearing less than what you think is appropriat, you as well have to control you thoughts on what you think about the person.

Christ was not quick to judge a woman who was brought before him for being caught in the act of committing adultry. BTY, where was the other partner to the act of commiting adulty with this woman? Should we not be more like Christ and less like Pharissees and Saducees?

[OneLight]

For me, I don't even wear shorts. Not because I want to be modest, but because I have chicken legs and their whiteness would blind all around.

I do feel sorry for those who struggle with this issue of how a woman should dress. Allow me to go one step further ... what about those who are Christians and are on the beach and this thinly scad non-Christian walks into view. Our nature begs us to look at the beauty that God created. It is if we sin in the process that should be our concern, not so much as to how we dress. The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sins, and if how you are dressing is sinful, you will know.

OneLight

[Guest shiloh357]

While I do myself dress more modestly than many other women in my area, why is this about women dressing modestly? What about what men wear or dont wear? This need not turn legalistic, because, as several posters have pointed out, its from within and attitude

Yes, thank you.

Even though, a woman may be dress less modest than others, its the responsibility for the man to turn his eyes away.

Exactly true.

Yes, we as Christians do have a moral responsiblity about ourselves. God will hold each and everyone of us accountable. Accountable how we present ourselves and how we treat/view others. Our thoughts are also accountable. Are we thinkinkg lustful thoughts or evil thoughts? Just because a woman or man is wearing less than what you think is appropriat, you as well have to control you thoughts on what you think about the person.

Precisely, it goes back to what I said about modesty being an attitude of the heart. Not only should we abstain from immoral deeds, but there should be nothing inside us to prompt us to commit those deeds in the first place. When we offer our bodies as living sacrifices each day, we find that it is easier to keep sin out if we don't let in to begin with.

Christ was not quick to judge a woman who was brought before him for being caught in the act of committing adultry. BTY, where was the other partner to the act of commiting adulty with this woman? Should we not be more like Christ and less like Pharissees and Saducees?

Amen. That is why I dont get caught up in how people are dressed so much.

Biblical modesty really a two person endeavor. Men should take the lead and guard the honor of women by how they look at them and interact with them. Women can dress attractively without being provocative. One does not have to be a prude or cut themself from the rest of the world. We can be modest and still enjoy each other's company.

[Vickilynn]

While I do myself dress more modestly than many other women in my area, why is this about women dressing modestly? What about what men wear or dont wear?

Shalom,

The OP is a good, solid, Biblical exhortation and yet people are getting their knickers in a knot at being reminded that women should dress modestly.

The BIBLE says women should dress modestly. It doesn't say MEN, but it is assumed that both men and women should dress modestly. So, if one is going to reject the admonition for WOMEN to dress modestly then that person is rejecting Scripture.

1 Timothy 2

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness

[Emily~Anne]

While I do myself dress more modestly than many other women in my area, why is this about women dressing modestly? What about what men wear or dont wear?

Shalom,

This is a good, solid, Biblical exhortation and yet people are getting their knickers in a knot at being reminded that women should dress modestly.

The BIBLE says women should dress modestly. It doesn't say MEN, but it is assumed that both men and women should dress modestly. So, if one is going to reject the admonition for WOMEN to dress modestly then that person is rejecting Scripture.

1 Timothy 2

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness