THE ONE WHERE I TALK ABOUT BIKINIS (Applying 1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

THE ONE WHERE I TALK ABOUT BIKINIS
(Applying 1 Corinthians 10:23-24)

DISCLAIMER: Before you flinch and think of this as a prudish anti-bikini entry, please keep it mind that my bikini issues are PERSONAL. Wearing a bikini does not automatically mean you’re bad or immoral. I’ve worn bikinis in the past after being cajoled by my friends. Prior to that I’ve always been a one-piece kind of girl and I’d often pair it with cycling or board shorts because I was shy. 

The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 “ ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” In the whole passage, Paul talks about the freedom of a believer—how there are certain activities and meals that believers can legitly enjoy but if it causes a young believer to stumble, then it’s best to abstain from it.

In this 2-part series, I will be talking about 1) Bikinis and 2) Alcohol.

While there is no mention of bikinis in the Bible, we are taking the principle above and applying it to modest dressing so as not to lead others to temptation. As it is, wearing a bikini isn’t technically sinning. I believe a girl can wear a bikini without the intent to seduce men. Maybe you just feel more comfortable swimming in them. The thing is, while you may not have any issues, it could be someone’s weak point. There are some men who cannot resist looking at certain female body parts and the mere sight of such could trigger lustful desires. Now you might say “That’s his problem, not mine. I’ll still wear my bikini.” My personal stand on this is to exercise brotherly love by not being an instrument of temptation.

Come to think of it, wearing a bikini is no different from wearing your regular underwear. Sure, the fabric and designs are different, but they cover and expose the same amount of skin.

Depending on the people you’ll be with, I think most girls won’t have a problem wearing a bikini to a family beach trip or a Boracay weekend with the best girl buddies. Others however, don’t really care.

Let’s take a look at COMMON MOTIVES/REASONS
-To fish for compliments: “Bikinis are SOOO IN. I want to feel sexy and free.”
-Boast about one’s body: “I worked so hard to get this bod. I might as well show it off.” “It’s a public beach! Anyone can wear what they want!”
-Attract attention: “I might meet someone cute. He should see me in my bikini.”

When my friends convinced me back then that I looked okay wearing a bikini, I was able to overcome my shyness and wore one to the beach whenever I had the chance. When summer would approach, I’d clock-in extra workout hours to get a trimmer, leaner “bikini body”. Upon achieving the ideal look, I’d happily flaunt it and make sure flattering photos would be taken. Back then, I’d get a confidence boost every time my bikini photo would get a Facebook like or comment from a friend.

Tagging suddenly became so rampant and the sharing of photos so easy. I realized how my seemingly harmless bikini photos could land on someone else’s feed—a future employer, a psycho stalker or a church mate. How would you feel if someone suddenly approaches you in church and says “Hey! I saw your bikini photos! Nice! Sexy!” Thankfully, that hasn’t happened to me yet but the mere fact that almost anyone can have access to these photos made me think twice about bikinis and how it can lead others to temptation.

I also learned that waiting to be appreciated based on how you look in a bikini reveals where you anchor your self-worth. To be firmly anchored in Christ means there is no need for worldly validation that you are sexy. If you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, be reminded that you are precious and valued. Before you were even born, Jesus already thought of dying for your sins on the cross. Isn’t that reality so much better than running after fleeting bikini comments?

To sport that skimpy bikini or not? Think about it.
Ask yourself:
Will God be glorified if I do this?
Will it cause a brother/sister to stumble?
What are my motives?
If this goes online for all the world to see, would it be something I’d be ashamed of?

Have a blessed day!