Is Dancing a Sin?

As a Pastor I get asked the question, "is dancing a sin?"

Typically my response is poor dancing is a sin for sure. The question asked is not so much about behavior but how close we can get to the line and not sin.   What do we consider worldliness and sin? In I John 2:15-17 the Apostle John defined worldliness when he wrote,

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life — is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires.”

Worldliness is not "doing" but  a "system" that takes over the loves of the heart.

• Desires of the flesh, the things that make me feel good.

• Desires of the eyes, the things that make me look good.

• Pride of life, my twisted desire to make sure you know just how good I really am.

So how do you know if you are drifting into worldliness? The best way to check your heart is with honesty before the Lord.  Consider answering these heart provoking questions. 

• Distracted? Do you daydream often about the things that make you feel good, look good, or that show others how good you are?

• Discontent? Is it easy for you to say "that's enough I am satisfied?"

• Defined? Is your identity and well being in things or positions?

• Determined? Are you "obsessed" with getting more or moving ahead?

• Deficit? Do you think about heaven everyday?

• Dictator? Are you the most happy when you are in control?

So how did you do? How is the old heart right now? The world is passing away, so don't spend your life chasing the things with an expiration date on them. Remember the words of the martyred missionary Jim Elliott, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

The next move is yours.