After reading the above title, I’m sure some have already drawn some conclusions about me.  However, I can live with that.  All I ask is that you keep reading and give what I have to say a fair hearing.

Allow me to start right here… “Is dancing wrong?” I must first answer “No.” Dancing is not an intrinsic evil. There is no sin in moving one’s feet to the rhythm of music.  Not all dancing involves indecent dress, unchaste contact, or illicit movements.  In fact, the Bible records instances when righteous men danced as an expression of their joy (1 Chronicles 15:25-29; Luke 15:11-32).

However, dancing that calls for close bodily contact between unmarried males and females is wrong.  Dancing that involves indecent and suggestive bodily movements is wrong.  And dancing that involves impure handling of a dance partner is wrong.  The kind of dancing that God’s word condemns is the kind of dancing that stirs one to have impure thoughts, and act in impure ways.  That is the problem with most of the dancing that takes place today.  Its appeal is sex.  Now, there is nothing wrong with sexual attraction either.  In fact, sexual attraction is a perfectly healthy matter that God created and put within us.  However, that attraction must be kept within proper bounds.  It should not be tantalized or it will very likely get out of hand.  Unmarried people who have no legitimate means to fulfill their sexual desires need to be extremely careful to avoid any situation that could feed or flame such desires.

In years past, there was hardly any Christian who would openly defend dancing.  The preachers of times past taught that it was sinful, and the congregation concurred.  So, what has happened?  Are things different today?  Has dancing cleaned up its act?  Were the preachers of yesterday all wrong about dancing?  Has God’s moral standards changed some over the years?

Well, dancing certainly has not become any more moral over the years.  If anything, the modern dance is more sensuous today than it ever was.  Furthermore, preachers of the past were correct in preaching and warning against fleshly lusts which war against the soul (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 2:11). And of course, God’s moral law has not changed (Matthew 24:35). So then, what has changed?  What has changed are the attitudes and respect (or lack of) God’s people have for His will.  Some apparently seem to be more willing to justify their “pet” sins than they are willing to justify God’s high moral standard.

In the past several years, our local proms have seen…

  • Guys and girls rent cabins at a state park where some spent the night drinking and engaging in sexual immorality.
  • Public intoxication and arrests made by the local police force.
  • “Dirty dancing” (and that’s the way I’ll describe it.  To get specific would probably be offensive)performed on the “chaperoned” dance floor which is broadcast over our local television cable system.
  • Immodest, revealing clothing worn, intended to solicit the attention of the opposite sex.  I remember overhearing two girls trying to “outdo” each other as to which one was showing more cleavage.
  • Young people lying to their parents about their whereabouts while they stay out all evening and return home in the morning.
  • Parents who told their children they “had to go” to the Prom, and parents who told other people’s children that they needed to go to the Prom when the young people had no desire to attend.

And here’s the kicker…Every one of the actions mentioned above were done, not by the non-Christians living in Glasgow, but by young people and parents who are members of the Lord’s church; Christians!  If this is the way that disciples of Jesus conduct themselves, then how do you suppose the world acts?  No wonder our school system typically mails out a letter to area churches asking for their help and support in keeping, what they describe as “one of the most dangerous nights of the year for our young people” as safe as possible.

Listen, I fear for those who go to a dance, spend all night with their date, come home the next morning (which happens to be the Lord’s day), and find themselves too exhausted, because of their carousing, to go to worship or to truly worship in spirit the one who shed His blood for their redemption.  Do we really think that such actions will simply be pardoned or excused because, after all, “It’s the Prom.”

Young people, keep the commitment that you made to the Lord.  Guard your heart and mind from the fleshly lusts that war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11).  And parents, help your young son or daughter in making decisions that may affect their eternal destiny.  Sometimes, because of the tremendous peer pressure they are under, your children need you to say “no” for them. Help them to make Christ-focused decisions that will bring honor God.

You know what I think?  I think we need a good dose of discipleship!  I think we need to quit acting and thinking carnally.  I think mom’s and dad’s and other adults need to quit pushing and encouraging young people to immerse themselves in such a worldly event, and to develop some backbone.  And I think we need to be honest with ourselves and quit trying to defend what is indefensible.  What do you think?