I think we need to stop viewing modesty in light of "culture" and start veiwing it in light of the Lord. If our actions cause a person to fall deeper into sin, I believe we are responsible. By this, I am not saying predators are not responsible for their own actions. Evidently they are. Yet this decline in modesty has played a huge role in how people view sex. Nobody can convince otherwise.
Unfortunately, there are many people who have Jesus who suffer with sexual sin due to the lack of modesty in this world. The devil is sly, indeed!
I agree. This was my point. We are interpreting modestly here in the light of our sexualized culture. Do you think little children in Bible days put on a one piece or two piece suit before getting into the water? We are talking about little kids here, right? I don't believe a little child wearing a two piece will cause a person to fall deeper into sin.
Yes, people who have Jesus can choose to sin. They don't sin because others cause them to sin. They sin because they choose to sin. Jesus already gave them the victory.
I agree. But if I remember correctly, we aren't supposed to cause our brother to stumble. That is also a sin.
Beautifully written. Embassy, I appreciate your sentiments. I understand what you are saying and in a perfect world, all people, young and old, would walk around as naked as Adam and Eve and there would be no need for concern one way or the other, but we do not have that perfect world. We cannot stop what will trigger these men, but we can take steps to discourage them. Back to the topic, I feel that consistency is important. I would not have my child wear something that I would not have her wear when she is older because I want her to desire to be modest and feel she is beautiful without purposely trying to attract men by wearing less.
The more I think about it, modesty isn't, or shouldn't only be about the person having respect for themselves. I think it is also a matter of respect for others.
To what extent would you apply that concept? Would a one piece suit prevent a predator from thinking or doing the wrong thing? Should we all wear burkas to prevent any potential impure thoughts? The stumbling text wouldn't fit in this situation. It in in the context of brothers and sisters in Christ who have different beliefs about eating and drinking. Paul admonished those who have freedom in Christ not to influence others to go against their conscience.
Again, I do not believe predators are born, I believe they are made. I do not know what more to add to that. Obviously, my point isn't coming across and if it is, then it isn't worth repeating. Unless I am reading you wrong, you do not believe that the lack of modesty plays a role in the decay of sexual boundries. I obviously do not agree. I believe that everything we do has an impact on people and whether it is what we eat or what we wear, we need to act unto the Lord, not unto culture. Obviously we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one. With that said, on to the regular scheduled program.
The answer is simply to the extent that the Lord lays on your heart. It is not a question to be answered with logic or even religion, but with seeking the Lord's will. If you are honestly asking for guidance, He always has the best answer.
How do we know that? I believe that everything we do in our lives (and what is done to us) leaves an impression if not a distinct memory even in a child as young as two years old. Who is to say what impact wearing a bikini would have on a 2yo about her ideas on modesty later on? Again, I believe that consistency is very important on this issue.
This is why I believe in teaching our children about modesty from birth. It is a part of a mindset that starts at a young age. If I allowed Ems to wear a bikini at 2 years old, when do I draw the line and say, "You are now too old. I know you wore one yesterday, but it isn't modest to wear one today."
Which takes us back to the OP and that it's not anyone else's place to criticize what someone else chooses for their own child. Perhaps the Lord is dealing with this woman in other areas right now and hasn't laid it on her heart to worry about whether her baby's swimsuit fits someone else's definition of modesty. So who are we to judge what is right for her or her child? It really surprises me that the answer from so many of us on education issues is "do what is right for YOUR family" or "no one else has the right to tell you how to raise your child." But, that doesn't necessarily apply to other areas of life. DH and I have certain standards for what we allow our kids to wear for swimming (or what we do not) but I would never feel it was my place to tell my friend what she should/shouldn't allow her children to wear.
Meg, were these enough opinions for you?! :lol: Thanks for starting this thread. I enjoyed the conversation. It always stirs my brain to know what other people think.
On the other hand, criticism from a friend may be part of how the Lord is dealing with a mother so that the issue of modesty is laid on her heart now. Just some thoughts from a differing perspective. I have never advised anyone to "do right for your family" in regards to education issues or any others because I think that is a cop out answer to make a questioning, or just venting, parent feel better. I have always felt that seeking the Lord and doing all in obedience are the only right things to do for the family. I also believe God has every right to tell me how to raise the child He placed in my care and I would bring criticism from any source to be verified or found false before Him prior to casually discounting it. I believe that God uses people to help (sometimes by criticism) people evidenced by numerous stories in the Bible, even when they don't think they need any help nor have asked for it. Not all criticism is valid but the problem is that we tend to want to slam the door on every messenger without looking for the signature of the Sender first.
I have two teens who believe very strongly in modest dress. They wear one-piece swimsuits. They stick their tongues out at Victoria's Secret whenever we walk by one in the mall. Modest dress is a GOOD thing. Don't feel bad about it. You're doing the right thing by teaching your boys about modest dress. Good for you.
