The power of visual stimuli. The Bible draws a clear connection between visual observation and lust. Advertisers are aware of the value of sexual stimuli as shown in the constant display of flesh in television and magazine commercials. It is no accident that Paul directed the instruction on modesty primarily to women. Biologically and psychologically men and women differ. While there are exceptions, men are more sexually aggressive than women. Men’s sexual desires are thought to be six times stronger than women’s. Men, therefore, are much more likely to be excited visually than women. Remember Jesus warned men about looking (Matthew 5:28). He could have reversed the genders, but He who made us knew us (John 2:25). Clothes which might not seem too revealing to women may be viewed differently by men. Women should take this into consideration when choosing their clothing (cf. Romans 14:13).

Young women, especially, must be taught the power they exercise by sight and touch over men, generally and specifically (cf. Proverbs 7:10,21,22). Human attraction is powerful and must be respected. An adolescent male has a difficult enough time with the frustrating sexual stirrings he is experiencing for the first time. Husbands find it tough enough keeping marriages together with the temptation immodesty brings. It is easier for girls to wear modest clothes than for boys to pluck out their eyes (cf. Mark 9:43-49).

Lasciviousness will keep one out of heaven. Immodest apparel is lascivious—a word we don’t use much, but which means "something that causes lust" (from aselgeia, "filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, unbridled lust...shamelessness..." Thayer). Whatever tends to excite lust, either in ourselves, or in others, is lascivious (Galatians 5:19; cf. Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19;1 Peter 4:3; Jude 4). Common swimwear (not to mention much gymnastic, exercise, and leisure attire) is designed to be lascivious. In many cases, it is advertised as sexually attractive. To wear it is to become a part of the group that "shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Galatians 5:21).

Public swimming is wrong because it indicates a callous heart. "...With shamefacedness and sobriety..." (1 Timothy 2:9). Shamefacedness indicates " a sense of shame, modesty" (Vine). Sobriety (sophrosune) denotes "soundness of mind; self-control...good judgment, moderation..especially as a feminine virtue, decency." The American Standard Version has shamefastness. "Shamefastness is modesty which is ‘fast’ or rooted in character" (Davies, Bible English). Fast means "firmly fixed" as a "bedfast" person is firmly fixed in his bed. A shamefast person is firmly fixed in a sense of shame or modesty. Shamefacedness is the opposite of boldness or brazenness. This word indicates the ability to blush.

We should be so modest that if someone saw too much of us, we would turn red in the face. Most consider this an undesirable trait, but God likes it. Some of Jeremiah’s neighbor’s blushing mechanism had malfunctioned and it made God mad. "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore they shall fall among them that fall..." (Jeremiah 6:15; cf. 3:3; 8:12). Wearing a swimsuit in public ought to cause us to blush; if it does not, we should examine our hearts to see if they are "seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2). Modest clothes show a godly heart while immodest clothes show an evil (or at least unconcerned) heart.

Each Christian is a walking billboard. Our words, deeds, and actions determine what we advertise, and where emphasis is placed when others think of us. We are to "abstain from all appearances of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and we must look at our actions in light of the influence they may have on others (Matthew 5:13-16). Whatever our friends think of us, is what they think of the church. It is possible to "crucify...the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (Hebrews 6:6). None of us wants to do this.

[Another point to consider is for Christians to set the standard by wearing clothes that are modest, as we should do in all other social situations!]

(Note: This Psalm is too long to print in the bulletin, so please take the time to read it from your Bible as you study this article.)

This psalm is the longest one so far. It is also found in 2 Samuel 22 with only minor variations. In 2 Samuel, David is using it at the end of his life to pay tribute to the ability that Jehovah has to rule in and over our lives and our enemies. You will also note that the statement at the beginning of 2 Samuel 22 is in agreement with the one at the beginning of the psalm, which says that David first spake this to God when he was delivered from Saul and other enemies early in his life.

The structure of Psalm 18 is very simple. There is an introduction that praises God: "He Gives Victory Because He Can" (vv. 1-3)! Jehovah is "my strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, God, buckler (shield), horn of salvation, and high tower."

There are three main points in Psalm 18.

The first main point is that "God Gives Victory to the Distressed" (vv. 4-19). He does this when the distress is great. Even though the emphasis throughout this psalm is on God’s gift of victory, we must understand that He expects us to call out and cry out to Him when we are in affliction (vv. 4-6). He provides powerful answers to those who are distressed (vv. 7-15). And those who are distressed receive a happy deliverance (vv. 16-19).

The second main point is that "God Gives Victory to the Faithful" (vv. 20-30). David made the claim that he was faithful (not sinless). None of us can claim (and successfully defend) that we are sinless. However, we are required to be righteous, clean, keepers of His ways, not wicked, blameless, and separate from sin (vv. 20-23). He then claimed that God has been faithful. Please note how much credit and glory David gives to God for the constant and proper use of His perfect attributes. In every circumstance, He always does all of the right things (vv. 24-29). He closed this second point by stating that God is able to do this for all who trust in Him (v. 30).

The third main point is that "God Gives Victory Totally" (vv. 31-45). Here he teaches that no one else can do this. Many "gods" have been invented, imagined, and called upon, but Jehovah is the only REAL DEITY! To millions, their rocks are "gods"—but to the faithful, our God is a ROCK! And all "rocks" are helpless in His sight (vv.31,32). He teaches that God’s conquering power extends to all aspects of every challenge. God’s ability in providing victory extends to the person who is in distress. He is able to use our characteristics (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) to gain these victories. It is no wonder that the key for us is to yield our members as instruments of righteousness (vv. 33-40; Romans 6:11-23). He teaches that no one can escape Him when He does this (vv. 41,42). He closes this point by exclaiming that God exalts the faithful (vv. 43-45).

The conclusion of the psalm goes back to the introduction and extends the thought: "God Gives Victory and Deserves to be Praised" (vv. 46-50). It is interesting to note that the last verse of the introduction and the first verse of the conclusion have been made into a beautiful song (vv. 3,46).

— Skip Andrews

and the Bible Is His Word