"Don't Dance With The One That Brung Ya!"

The faithful child of God knows that the modern dance is sinful (Mark 6:16-24). They know that the New Testament teaches that lasciviousness, or indecent body movements, promotes lust (James 1:14-15). The modern dance is a “work of the flesh” .... and un-repented of, will deny one entrance into Heaven (Galations 6:19-21).

Dancing has led to the spiritual downfall of many – sexual immorality, promiscuity, adultery, ruined lives and ruined homes. This last Valentine’s Day, many public schools in our area (including elementary schools) held dances which had special “father-daughter” dances. The report is that some brethren took part in this “chaperoned” activity.

Some say, “But it’s cute!” Perhaps the world thinks it is “cute.” But God’s word doesn’t! Sin is a treacherous path that leads to damnation (Proverbs 4:19). Some say, “She would feel left out if she didn’t take part.” Why not teach her a vital lesson of the Christian life – we must strive to bring glory to God in our lives (Romans 15:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:20). This involves refraining from some activities the world promotes as acceptable if not “normal”: social drinking, gambling, dancing, etc. Ostracism may result from not participating. Or perhaps it will be an opportunity to be a "light" in this old sin-sick world (Matthew 5:16).

Some say, “It’s a harmless father-daughter thing!” A few years down the road that same child may remember the experience and conclude that dancing is alright. We are teaching our children many things in their early years (Proverbs 22:6). Please do not try to make sin respectable to children. There are many things a father and daughter can do together which are spiritually beneficial, such as learning from their Bible why the modern dance is sinful.

Some say, “You just have a dirty mind!” No, I am just teaching what the Bible teaches. It teaches us that sin begets further sin (1 Peter 4:3). Parents are you teaching your children what is right and what is wrong by your example? (Ephesians 6:4). The “nurture and admonition of the Lord” is not found in the modern dance. —Roelf L. Ruffner

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets