Modesty Manifesto (and why I think mature Christian women shouldn't wear bikinis)

I was recently perusing Instagram and came across a young woman’s feed who happened to be an accomplished athlete and claimed “Christian” as her belief system. Cool, I thought, a young woman with a platform to share her faith and apparently not afraid to do so. As I browsed through a few of her photos my first impression was quickly corrected. This young woman’s feed was full of seductive photos of herself, and scantily clad selfies. My original impression turned to disappointment and even a bit of anger. Why would she think it’s ok to post such photos of her body, all the while claiming Christ and likely being followed by many individuals (men and women) who would see those photos? Maybe you think it’s not a big deal. Maybe you think I’m being judgmental. Let me explain my problem with this.

As I was growing up I heard all about the need to be modest for the sake of our Christian brothers who struggled with lust. Then I heard all about how modesty is important, but should be practiced for our own self-worth and respect as women, not for the lust problem of men. After all, why should we take responsibility for their issues? Then it seemed as though we got to a point that Christian women could wear whatever they want and do whatever they want because truth has become relative, even for Christ-followers, apparently. So is modesty even an important issue for Christian women anymore? And if it is, why? Is it important for ourselves and our self-respect as women? Or is it important for our Christian brothers and not causing them to be tempted any more than they already are?

I have always conceded that modesty was important; I was taught this from a young age. I wouldn’t even disagree with you on the reasoning, necessarily. It didn’t really matter to me why it was important, I just knew it was, and that was enough for me. However, I see now that the why is significant. It is significant and it is modesty for the sake of our brothers. If for no other reason, we, as Christian women, should dress in a way that draws more attention to what’s uncovered (our face), than to what’s covered for the sake of our Christian brothers. Consider Romans 14:13 and 19- “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother… So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Saints, we are called to refrain from judging others based on what causes them to stumble. Instead, we are to seek to live in peace, with an attitude of building each other up, and not cause another to stumble. This is how we show respect and care for those who are “weaker” in a certain area.

Sisters, the way you dress can certainly create an unnecessary burden and stumbling block for your brothers, or it can be a refreshing break from the norm when you take them into consideration as you choose your outfit. I was having this conversation recently with some of my high school Bible students and one astute young man commented, “It’s hard enough for us when girls dress modestly”. Don’t underestimate the impact your wardrobe has on your Christian brothers. I want to call my Christian sisters to a higher standard. Consider and practice this passage, particularly in the area of your clothing. Let’s commit to build up our brothers who may struggle in this area, and not create a stumbling block for them because of our careless choices.