Before you jump into the pool, you'll need to answer the question, "What am I going to wear?"

Swimming is a very popular activity in these summer months, and as most girls know, shopping for swimwear can be quite a challenge.

Clothing racks are filled with swimsuits of different colors, styles and designs—but which is the most appropriate choice for a young woman striving to live her life by God's standards? Before deciding on a swimsuit, here are several more questions to answer.

Am I comfortable wearing this swimsuit in front of everyone?

It's hypocritical to have one swimsuit designated for church social events and another one for outings with school friends. A swimsuit should be modest no matter the situation.

Even though today's public may view a skimpy swimsuit as acceptable, it's important to always remember that God's view comes first. You could even go further and ask the question, "Would I feel comfortable wearing this swimsuit in front of my pastor?" If the answer is no, you may need to reconsider your choice.

Am I exposing too much skin?

Swimsuits come in many different sizes—ranging from complete wetsuits to practically nothing.

As a rule of thumb, the United Youth Camps has a sound guideline regarding appropriate swimwear for girls. It says, "Modest one-piece or tankinis for girls...reasonable boy-cut shorts or standard bottoms; no French-cut or bikini bottoms; full coverage tops; no bare midriffs or exposed cleavage." The UYC code of conduct wasn't picked arbitrarily—what's inappropriate there is inappropriate elsewhere.

Will I make someone of the opposite sex feel uncomfortable?

A key principle about modesty speaks from the Bible, "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God" (1 Corinthians 10:32, New International Version).

As young women we should not present ourselves in a way that is likely to make it easy for someone of the opposite sex to sin. Dressing in a revealing fashion can make it difficult for a young man not to struggle with thoughts of lust. Although it is a man's responsibility to control his thoughts, as women we should not make it more difficult for men.

Not only should we strive to dress modestly to avoid causing temptation, but we should also do it for the sake of our future mates—who probably wouldn't appreciate us showcasing our bodies for others.

What is my motive behind this swimsuit?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make swimsuit selections that complement our figures. However, the concern arises when women make decisions to wear revealing, immodest swimsuits to show off their bodies.

As young female vertical thinkers seeking to please God, it's important to remember that our bodies are His temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:16). As young women we must remember that even if we're not dressing up for church, we still live our lives in the presence of God. If we mimic immodest or vanity-based swimsuit fashions common in today's society, how can we expect to be examples and lights in the world?

To learn more, check out "First Threads: the Origin and Impact of Clothes" and "A Modest Past?"

Modesty—outward and inward—matters to God. Remember that no matter the circumstances, we are modeling a way of life. Even though finding modest swimwear can be a hassle, the rewards of living according to God's standards are unparalleled!