Question:
Is it wrong to go to my school dance?
Answer:
It is very important to answer questions wisely.
Unfortunately, when many young people answer this question they do so
foolishly. They’ll say, “Well, this other kid at our church did it.” As
if some “other kid” is going to be God’s means of judging us for our
sins! Others say, “Well, my parents said I could go so that makes it
alright.” Sadly, not all parents are Christians and not all parents who
are Christians make the right decisions. Others make their decisions on
the basis of peer pressure.
God’s Word says, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare
ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring
themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are
not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Later in the passage, Paul writes,
“For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commends” (10:18).
So, here’s two simple steps to answering the question. First, don’t show
your foolishness and ignorance by basing a decision for your eternity on
the past actions or approval of someone else. Second, consider honestly,
whether God approves of your actions. Let’s get to it.
First, some synonyms of modern dancing include, “freaking, slamming,
moshing, spanking, humping, bumping, undressing, grinding” and more.
Some people have described much of the dancing at school dances, proms
and clubs as nothing short of “sex with clothes on.” What does God think
of such sexual exhibitionism?
God’s Word condemns “lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19-21). Thayer
defines this word as, “filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste
handling of males and females.” The dancing described above will send us
to hell if we do not repent of it. The term “reveling” is also
listed as a “work of the flesh” in Galatians 5. The Lindell Scott
Greek Lexicon defines “revellings” as “a jovial feast with music and
dancing.” Strike two.
The Bible also encourages young people to “flee youthful lusts”
(2 Timothy 2:22) and to “keep yourself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22). Jesus
describes the “lust of the heart” as sinful in Matthew 5:28.
Some say, “Well, I won’t dance, I’ll just go.” This seems to fall short
of Jesus’ model prayer saying, “Lead us not into temptation”
(Matthew 6:13). In addition, have you considered your example? Assuming
you are strong enough, are other Christians who imitate you going to be
as strong (1 Corinthians 8:12)? What about younger siblings? Should we
really be purchasing tickets and supporting an activity that gives evil
an opportunity to thrive?
Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather expose them.”
1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from every form of evil.”
Yes, it is sin to participate in lewd dancing (1 John 3:4). Is hell
worth that one night (Heb. 11:25)?
November 2005