Truth Magazine

By Forrest D. Moyer

Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap (Luke 21:34).

Introduction

If I asked, “Are you guilty of worldliness?”, what would you say? Undoubtedly I would get varied answers to such a question. Some would respond with a powerful “No!” Someone else might say, “I don’t think so.” Another might ask, “What do you mean by worldliness?” Most brethren consider worldliness as a threat to spirituality, but I believe that it is the greatest problem that the people of God face in the society of our day! In this study we shall show that worldliness is defined in the Bible, and that it is deceptive and that it is destructive.

I. Worldliness Is Described In The Bible

The apostle John describes it in 1 John 2:15-17:

Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.

John tells us that the love of the world consists of (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the boastful pride of life. Whatever falls into these categories is worldliness and separates us from God. That is why it is vital for us to study this text and this subject.

The lust of the flesh induces a fleshly way of thinking and acting. “Flesh” involves more than the elements that make up the human body. It is a way of thinking and living that is contrary to the way of God. It is contrasted with spiritual living in Romans 8 and Galatians 5. These chapters suggest that the word “flesh” (sarx) includes the mind of the person and his reasoning abilities and not just the cells that make up the human body.

The word “lust” (desire) can be for either that which is good or for that which is bad. God has given to man certain desires and these are all good within themselves. We have the desire for food, for drink, for sleep, for sex. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these desires. But they can be directed in the wrong channels and become sinful. While the desire for food is natural and good, gluttony is sinful. While the desire to quench thirst is proper, drunkenness is a sin. Sleep is a normal need, but “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest -and your poverty will come in like a vagabond” (Prov. 6:10-11). Laziness is a sin. The fulfillment of sexual desires within marriage is of God and is, therefore, holy. But sex taken outside the bounds of husband and wife is fornication (whether pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, or bestiality) and is sinful. When we have desires for what is forbidden, we are headed toward “love of the world.”

The lust of the eyes has to do with pleasures that gratify the sight and the mind in such a way to lead one away from God. It is that spirit which can see nothing without wanting it in order to flaunt it. It is the attitude that believes that happiness can be found in things which money can buy and which the eye can see. We must remember that the things which are seen are temporal (2 Cor. 4:18). This is what worldliness is: emphasis on that which is temporal.

The boastful pride of life is the spirit that attempts to show people how important we are. This is why we buy houses, cars, clothing, appliances, and other luxuries which we cannot afford. We want to impress people. We want to boast about our own greatness. The “travel now, pay later” advertising gets millions of people to buy things beyond their means. Why? To impress people with our material possessions. That, my brother, is worldliness. These three principles of worldliness set forth by John will be of help to us later as we continue our study.

Jesus describes worldliness in Luke 8:14:

And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with the worries (cares) and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

Jesus is explaining His parable of the sower. He says that “thorns” choke out spiritual life. What are these thorns?

The cares or worries of this life have to do with our anxieties over material things such as our food, clothing, or shelter. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus, with His masterful word pictures, teaches us not to worry about our food or clothing or the necessities of life (Matt. 6:25-34). In vv. 31-33 we hear Him say:

Do not be anxious then, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “With what shall we clothe ourselves?” For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.

Anxiety about these physical needs are indicative of little faith (v. 30). Instead of worry our lives must be characterized by prayer (Phil. 4:6) and action (Matt. 6:33 – “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”). Anxiety about these things can choke out the word and that is worldliness.

The riches of this life are another source of worldliness. Paul spoke of such in 1 Timothy 6:9-10:

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.

It is our desire for riches that chokes out the word and, thus, constitutes worldliness.

The pleasures of this life also constitute worldliness. These would be any pleasures that would draw us away from the godly life that the Holy Spirit has laid out for us in t Word. Now, with John’s and Jesus description of worldliness before us, we can observe that.

Worldliness may fall into two categories. There are things that are wrong within themselves because God has declared them to be wrong. Anything that falls within the description of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 is sinful because God declares that it is. This includes sexual sins, sins of the disposition, sins of action. Peter speaks of this kind of worldliness when he talks about “a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries” (1 Pet. 4:3). Paul is emphatic in ordering us to “flee fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18). Anything that falls into this category is sinful – it is of this world. The “R” movies and many “PG” movies are sinful because of these passages. Parents, do you exercise control over what your children see? Would you allow your three year old child to go down the alley and eat food from garbage cans? Well, friend, the “R” movies (and many others) are garbage of a more deadly kind. They poison the soul! Would you bring a filthy garbage can into your living room from which to feed your family? Yet, almost every week and pollution into their homes by means of degraded TV programs. Such is harmful to adults, but it is disastrous to children! Such is also true of the modern dance. The moral allurements of such are not conducive to a godly, spiritual life. It is in the realm of worldliness.

But there is a worldliness that I believe is even more destructive to Christians than what we discussed in the preceding paragraph. That has to do with things that are not wrong within themselves, but which constitute worldliness by their use. Paul said that Demas loved this present world. I rather doubt that Demas got involved in immorality or drunkenness, etc. Rather I am inclined to feel that Demas was afraid that he would die if he stayed with Paul in Rome. He loved this present world and was not ready to leave it, I fear that we all must be very careful lest we become worldly in this way.

These are those who have so many interests in life that the most important things are choked out. People become too busy to pray, too busy to study, too busy to visit the sick, too busy to be involved in home classes, too busy to come to all the services. That’s worldliness! When we say, “I don’t have time,” we are saying that God did not give us sufficient time to do His will, and that is a charge against God Himself. He gave us all 168 hours each week. In so doing He gave us time to do everything that He desires of us in seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness. Usually when one says, “I don’t have time for spiritual matters,” he still has time for sports, for TV, for theater, for extra school classes or for anything else that he wants to do. The truth is that we find time to do what we want to do. When we get so involved in making money that we do not have time for Jesus, that’s worldliness! I’m not afraid that a lot of my brothers and sisters will be involved in drinking parties, or gambling or immorality, but I believe that many are involved in “respectable worldliness.” You are allowing other things – things not wrong within themselves – to choke out your spiritual life. These things become the most important things in your life. Let me impress upon you, friend, you can get by without movies, TV, sports, theater, etc., but you cannot get by without Jesus Christ in your heart and life! Let us indeed “seek those things which are above” and “set our affection on things above” (Col. 3:1-2).

Truly, worldliness is defined in God’s word.

II. Worldliness Is Deceptive

Jesus tells us that worldliness will “weight us down”; it will “choke” us. These processes seldom take place immediately. Usually they gradually and slowly begin their deadly work. Thorns begin to grow as the seed grows. The thorns grow a little each day until they become so large that they have done their murderous work. Worldliness creeps up on one. The believer gradually accepts and then adopts the ways of the world. Jesus indicated that in Matthew 24:38-39 by His reference to the people of Noah’s day who were going on in their daily manner of life totally oblivious to the fact that the flood was coming. People come to feel comfortable in their worldly way of life. They come to look upon even sinful activities as being the normal way of life. We accept our “respectable worldliness” as the way that most decent people live. We fail to see the choking effect of this kind of worldliness.

We live in a time of deceptive advertising. People are bamboozled by the ads that promise joy and happiness but bring only sorrow and shame. The liquor industry has led millions down a path of destruction by their deceptive ads. “The man of distinction” ads allure many to drunkenness. The ads do not show the true side of the coin. They do not show the wreck on the highway with the mangled bodies of innocent children strewn on the roadside in their own blood – the wreck caused by “a man of distinction”! They do not show the children without sufficient food to eat or clothing to wear because their father is such a “man of distinction” that he cannot hold a job or do anything but hang out at the bar. These ads do not show the dissipated man in rags with vomit running down his filthy clothes. Indeed, they deceive. The ads show the woman who “has come a long way, baby,” as a lady of sophistication because she smokes a particular brand of cigarettes. The ads do not show the hundreds of thousands who are suffering from lung cancer, heart disease, ulcers, and emphysema because of their use of tobacco. The ads picture the glorification of illegitimate sex, but they do not show the ruin of teenage pregnancies and of broken homes caused by adulterous action. Truly, worldliness is deceptive.

III. Worldliness Is Destructive

We must understand that worldliness will destroy us! James 4:4 says:

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

The Lord is emphatic. Worldliness places us in hostility to our God. It is destructive. We have already seen John’s statement that “if any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). He shows that if we are in love with the world that we shall pass away with this world.

Paul shows that those who are guilty of the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). In Philippians 3:18-19 we hear him say:

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

These are worldly people because they set their minds on earthly things. Their end is definite: it is destruction! Worldliness will lead one to Hell. If you are traveling the pathway of worldliness, you are in the way to eternal destruction.

We have shown that worldliness is defined in the Bible, it is deceptive, and it is destructive. Have you allowed worldliness to sap your spiritual energy and drag you back into the power of Satan? If so, “come out from among them and be separate and do not touch what is unclean.” Every effort that you make for godly living will be worth your while.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 9, pp. 264-266
May 1, 1986

By Elmer Moore

On the nights of September 30 thru October 4, 1985 and March 3, 4, 6, 7 of 1986, 1 was privileged to moderate for J.T. Smith in his debates with Charles A. Holt. The propositions for these debates involved the “local church” and the “eldership.” The first debate was held in Lake Jackson, Texas and the second one in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I do not intend to present a review of the debate as such, but simply state my personal appraisal of it.

First, let me assure everyone that I have no ill will toward brother Holt; neither do I have a personal axe to grind with him. I firmly believe that he espoused false positions in the debates, and failed miserably as a debater.

It was a disappointment to me that brother Holt did not debate the issue at all. Fact of the matter is, he did not debate – period! I know that he understands what a debate is supposed to be. He knows that arguments of the opposition are to be examined with fairness and candor; yet he completely ignored the major portion of brother Smith’s arguments, choosing rather to devote most of his time in a tirade against his brethren. I don’t recall ever hearing a more bitter, vindictive, castigation of the church of the Lord in terms as severe, in my life. My judgment is that I listened to nine nights of a man who has~ become so bitter against his brethren that he seeks opportunity to brow-beat them. Nine times in his last speech in Chattanooga, he compared the church of Christ to the Roman Catholic church. Brother Holt stated in the debate that he had no intention of answering brother Smith’s arguments (referring to them as “quibbles”); but intended to teach the people. Yet brother Holt advertised the affair in his paper, The Examiner, as a debate.

My judgment is that brethren ought not to provide him any further audience where he can further his tirade against God’s people.

The church of the Lord is indebted to brother J.T. Smith for bringing these matters into the open. Many felt that brother Holt had abandoned the views he held in the 1960s. The debates have certainly been eye-openers.

Also it is well to note that in January of 1985 the charter for Holt Ministry, Inc. was filed for record. This was done for the express purpose of making possible the advocacy of brother Holt’s position, either through his paper, or a number of other ways that were mentioned in the charter. This was almost a year before the debate in Lake Jackson. The debate was well timed. Surely now all know that the only change that brother Holt has made regarding his position on the church and the eldership has been from bad to worse.

I believe that brother J.T. Smith not only did a thorough job in defense of the truth, but was kind and courteous toward brother Holt throughout.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 234
April 17, 1986

By Kenneth Thomas

One would have to not only deny the studied conclusions of learned men of our day, but many plain Bible passages as well, to argue with the truth of our title for this discussion. Our thoughts translate into our actions. Unless we learn to dismiss the thought which would lead to disobedience, disobedient we will be! Faithfulness conversely works the same way, we must engage in positive thinking which will lead to proper actions in obedience to our Lord. This being true it is extremely important that our thought patterns be guided by divine revelation through God’s word (Psa. 1:2; Jas. 1:18, 21-25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

As He Thinketh. . .

Solomon to whom God gave a degree of wisdom above his fellows said, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). Our Lord addressed Himself to this same subject when in Matthew 15:18-19, He stated, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

As you can see, each of the sins listed above finds its source in the mind (heart) of man. That’s where it was conceived. When it is allowed to pass through a gestation period and is finally born as the act, it becomes sin as James states in James 1:13-15. Two of the sins listed in the context, at least, become sin when dwelt upon so as to lack only opportunity to actually carry out, those being fornication and murder. See Matthew 5:28; 1 John 3:15.

I heard a song which left in my mind the sentence structure which I used in a sermon recently called “Living As Christians in a Wicked World.” I took the title from an article I read also. Anyway the song translated into my thinking in these words, “first you think the thoughts, then you talk the talk, then you walk the walk.” You may have heard the song but regardless of that, it portrays biblical truth. If you have read this far, and if you accept the conclusions I have reached as biblical, then you will profit by studying with me further, on:

Some Things That Mold Our Thinking

David prayed in Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my strength and redeemer.” He also pronounced the man (person) as blessed (happy) who meditates on things spiritual (God’s word), day and night (Psa. 1:2). David also said in Psalm 119:11, “Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The apostle Paul admonished Christians to think of certain things so as to have the peace of God in their (own) hearts. “. . whatever things are true . . . noble . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely, of good report . . . praiseworthy, meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:7-8).

The Music We Listen To

If you think you can fill your mind with a steady diet of “hard rock” or “punk rock” music performed by such people as Madonna or Cyndi Lauper and not be adversely affected, then you may as well stop reading right here for you have already been overtaken by Satan’s lures! If you are already hooked on Boy George or Prince or if you enjoy and listen to such groups, as many do, like KISS (which stands for “Kids in Service to Satan” I have been told), you have a problem whether you or your family recognize it or not. It isn’t too late if you are willing to listen, but if such an article as this “turns you off,” I would say it’s mighty close to being too late for you!

Here’s how Madonna is spoken of in a magazine article in Newsweek (3/4/85), “MADONNA: The new woman as classic sex siren, she promises more than an invitation to dance.” I’m not sure of this but it appears that Madonna is a name she’s taken as a spoof and put down concerning the virgin mother of Jesus because and I now quote, “Madonna’s new album, ‘Like a Virgin’ (Sire), recently No. I for three weeks, is already ‘triple platinum.’ In 14 weeks it has sold some 3.5 million copies.” Some of the new rock and punk rock female stars and some of the males glorify the “alternate lifestyle” doctrine of lesbianism and male homosexuality. All of them glorify and advocate what has come to be called “free love.” Brethren, it’s anything but free if I may make a play on their word. It is enslaving and very costly in many cases both physically and especially spiritually (Gal. 5:16-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Rev. 21:8).

When so many young people and some not so young are “turned on” by such as this my friends, if doesn’t speak well for the future of our nation. As Christians we have our work cut out for us and in too many cases we are failing since we are either ignorant of these things or involved ourselves so that few are speaking out in protest. Please read Proverbs 14:34.

When gospel preachers preach, teach and write on such topics as this, they need the parents to reinforce what is stated and written and if we would all stand together we would have a chance to succeed in supporting our children in standing together against such filth.

The Music We Listen to And, See as Well

Along the same lines as the above, yet even more devastating to the minds of young and old alike are the special rock stations such as MTV where those who tune in cannot only hear but view the contortions and bodily gyrations as vulgar, lewd motions are made with the body as the words leave not one thing to the imagination. The frenzies in the audience indicate to any honest observer exactly the intent of the performer.

I can remember when this country (at least a part of it) was so outraged at the swinging hips and vulgarity portrayed by Elvis Presley that Ed Sullivan’s show cut him off from the TV viewing audience at the waist. Today what he did wouldn’t even raise many eyebrows. We have now been conditioned to the place that we aren’t shocked anymore. We have lost the ability to blush as did Israel of old (Jer. 6:15). In order to be capable of discerning between that which is wholesome and good and that which is sinful and unwholesome in God’s sight we must spend time with “the book”I The Hebrews writer indicated this very truth saying, “. . . by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. . . Solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (know the difference between) both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12,14).

I See Nothing Wrong With It

Too often Christians rather than being “transformed by the renewing of your minds” have been conformed to the world’s way of thinking (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4). Sadly, the above statement is all too often true of many members of the body, they actually “see nothing wrong with . . . … Think a few minutes with me as you read a list of things that weak, uninformed, worldly-minded members see nothing wrong with:

1. Dancing that tends to produce lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19).

2. Addiction to nicotine (Gal. 6:17; 1 Cor. 6:12; Matt. 5:13-16).

3. Watching the filthy soap operas on TV and other filthy programs as well as attending movies where bad language and immodesty, etc., abound (Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:15-17; Phil. 2:15).

4. Reading suggestive or sometimes downright pornographic literature (Phil. 4:4-8).

5. Wearing short shorts and halters, going to public beaches and pools and mixing with others even scantier dressed (1 Tim. 2:9) and again, example (Matt. 5:13-16).

6. Listening to and telling filthy jokes (Eph. 4:29; Col. 4:6).

7. Missing the assemblies of the church for trivial matters. See no need to attend every possible service (Heb. 10:24-31; Acts 20:6-7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:17).

8. Spending money they can’t afford for various things and going into debt for years for something they want, yet giving very little to Christ (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-8; Matt. 6:33).

9. Not diligently studying the Bible and preparing for Bible classes (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 4:3,16; 1 Cor. 12:14-27).

10. Rarely, if ever attempting to win a soul to Christ by sending literature, setting up a home study, etc. (Acts 8:4; 2 Tim. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14).

11. Make little or no attempts to restore the erring to Christ and faithfulness (Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20; Matt. 18:15-17).

12. Consistently put family and friends and sometimes jobs before Christ and faithfulness (Matt. 10:34-37; Lk. 14:26-35).

13. Not visiting the sick, shut-in, etc. (Matt. 25:31-46).

14. Never finding a needy person or family with whom to share their blessings (Eph. 4:28; Lk. 10:30-37).

What has the religion of Christ done to change you? Are you a conformed or a transformed member of the body of Christ?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 236-237
April 17, 1986

By Dick Blackford

A Fresh Look At A Troublesome Topic

Every man deserves the right to be heard at least once. And one should not draw a conclusion about his message before considering all that he has to say on the subject. So hear me out. I’m not going to give you all those quotes from dancing instructors and ballroom operators about the effects of dancing. For one reason, I cannot document them. And I’m not going to make the old argument that “if dancing is good exercise, then why don’t boys dance with boys?” They are now doing that. I suspect, though, that you might find it profitable to ask some homosexuals why they like that kind of dancing. They won’t give you that old “it’s good exercise” routine. We need to examine this defense as well as some others that are frequently offered for dancing.

1. “It’s good exercise.

This is one of few arguments that has ever been advanced in favor of dancing. But the fact that the “slow dance” has always remained popular pretty well defeats that. And I have the audacity to say that those who attend dances are not looking for exercise. Other methods of exercise are far superior. Why not get together and do pushups? Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Yes, but that’s the fault of the argument, not the parallel. The truth is, it is easy to develop an unhealthy interest in the “physical fitness” of others either consciously or subconsciously (and I think you know what I mean). Bodily exercise at its best is profitable for only “a little.” Try exercising yourself unto godliness. It “is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:7,8).

2. “It’s fun.”

I would be ashamed to admit that the only criteria considered for a particular practice is whether or not it entertains me, for the Bible says sin is “fun” (temporarily, Heb. 11:25). While the homosexuals don’t use the “good exercise” argument, they do use this one. Many of them are honest to a fault. Ask them why it’s fun. I dare you. “It’s fun” is a poor argument when one’s soul is in jeopardy. And it is.

3. “It’s the social thing to do.”

The person who uses this argument will always be a follower and never a leader. He (or she) will be a pawn in the hands of the majority. There happens to be a higher authority and criteria for deciding such matters. The majority was wrong in Noah’s day. The majority crucified Christ. The majority thought the earth was flat. The majority will be lost (Mt. 7:13,14). And here’s a paradox: The majority of the time, the majority is wrong. People whose primary interest is in “the social thing” usually make poor Christians. They possess a short-sighted “this world” view. But life on earth is not an end in itself.

4. “Dancing helps me develop poise.”

We must learn the difference between poise and poison. The end does not justify the means of obtaining it (Rom. 3:8). Physical poise is not a requirement to enter heaven. Spiritual poise (balance) is. Man looks on the outward appearance but Jehovah looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). Inspiration condemns those who “glory in appearance, and not in heart” (2 Cor. 5:12). A person who is that concerned about poise has his eyes on the wrong goal. He (or she) may be viewing himself through the wrong end of the telescope (Rom. 12:3). We are trying to go to heaven. Remember?

I personally find this argument a difficult one to believe, especially when considering the kinds of dances that are popular. For example, the “bump” was the current rage. In this dance the partners seem to receive a thrill from a collision of their posteriors in time to the music (that’s as polite as I know how to express it). My, what skill! What co-ordination! What poise! What exercise!

5. “I can dance without having evil thoughts.”

Maybe you can, but I suggest you see a doctor. Medically speaking, normal males are several times more easily “turned on” than females. Syndicated columnist Lindsay R. Curtis, M.D., says, “For the most part, men are in a constant state of sexual readiness, even when it is the farthest thing from their minds . . . this desire in a woman is slow in awakening. . . ” (“Sensible Sex.` A Guide For Newlyweds, p. 41,42). “Male arousal occurs in a matter of seconds, and very few seconds, at that. It begins almost instantly . . . in wives, arousal normally requires much more time” (God Speaks Out On “The New Morality, ” A Production of The Graduate School Of Theology Ambassador College, pp. 235,236). See also The Stork Is Dead by Dr. Charlie W. Shedd (chapter titled “Boys Turn On Easier But They Turn Off Harder,” p. 111).

Consider this, however. Can you control the thoughts of your partner(s)? Can you control the thoughts of the spectators? Jesus said, “Woe unto the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must needs be that the occasions come; but woe to that man through whom the occasion cometh (Mt. 18:7).

6. “The Bible doesn’t say ‘thou shalt not. . .'”

This argument has been spread to cover a multitude of sins. But it is wearing thin. How do you know the Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not dance”? Have you read the Bible through? Before taking someone’s word for it, I challenge you to read the Bible through. It will give you something to do with all of the spare time you have on your hands and will be time well spent. I have never known a dancer who was an avid student of the Word. They rarely have their Bible class lessons or seem interested in “the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever” (1 Pet. 1:22-25).

If it was necessary to have a “thou shalt not” for every prohibition, the Bible would be so big that one person could not carry it. Why are we unable to see that the Bible deals with some things generally? We need to stop requiring itemization. The Bible contains principles and instructions that may include a whole category of things. Such is the case with dancing, gambling, social drinking, etc.

7. “The Bible condones dancing in Luke 15:25 and other passages.”

No it doesn’t. First, even if this did have reference to modern dancing it must be observed that to mention a thing does not necessarily imply endorsement. Jesus did not uphold every minor event mentioned in His illustrations. He certainly did not endorse the dishonesty and deceit in the parables of the unrighteous steward and the hidden treasure (Lk. 16:1-3; Mt. 13:44). Second, “Social dancing, as we now understand it, was almost, if not altogether, unknown in ancient times. . . . Of dancing for its own sake, of its practice as an art, there is no trace” (Hastings Bible Dictionary, p. 550). Hastings goes ahead to mention that the only known exception to this was the case of Salome which caused Herod to become so ecstatic that he made a rash promise which he later regretted. It cost John his lead, a case clearly not endorsed in Scripture. “Women seemed generally to have danced by themselves. . . . Of the social dancing of couples in the modern fashion there is no trace” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, p. 1170).

Three categories of dances are mentioned in Scripture. (1) Religious dances of the Old Testament (Ex. 15:20; 32:19; 1 Chron. 15:29). (2) Expressions of rejoicing (Judg. 11:34; 1 Sam. 18:6; Psa. 30:11; Lk. 15:25, etc.). (3) The passionate dance of Salome before Herod (Mk. 6:22). However, the dancing upon the prodigal son’s return is obviously parallel to and representative of the holy joy among the angels over the repentance of a sinner, as mentioned in two previous parables (Lk. 15:7, 10). The burden of proof that this incident is parallel to modern dancing is upon those who are pro-dancing today.

8. “Look at all the people who have danced and nothing happened to them.”

So far as you know, nothing happened. But one person cannot read the mind of another (1 Cor. 2:11). Really though, is this the way we determine the goodness or badness of a thing – by the number who escape unharmed? Would you judge war that way? Several came home from the recent war without a scratch on them. Does that make war a good and wholesome practice? I know a mother who does not think so. Her son returned home in a box which contained his remains. He was my childhood playmate. War has many effects. So does fire. People have escaped from burning homes, but do we conclude that such things are good because of the number who seemingly escape unharmed? Think about it.

Lasciviousness

Take a good look at that word. If you don’t know what it means, you need to learn. It can keep you out of heaven (that’s how serious it is). It is placed in a category of some of the most vile sins imaginable. The word appears in the following passages (read them): Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 4. Lasciviousness (Gk. aselgia, also translated “wantonness,” Rom. 13:13) means “wanton (acts or) manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females. . . ” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, pp. 79,80). Though some words have changed in meaning since the first century, this one has not. It is still defined as “tending to excite lustful desires” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, p. 824). Lasciviousness can be reflected in the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you sit, and the way you dress. I have never known a dancer who had taken the time to study the word, lasciviousness.

The Bible says a man can become guilty of “adultery in his heart” by looking on a woman to lust after her (Mt. 5:28). He is certainly responsible for his thoughts (Prov. 4:23; Mt. 15:19). But it may also have been that the female was guilty of lasciviousness. Reread Thayer’s definition. If dancing does not qualify, then what would? Don’t evade that question. Dancing is like playing with a candle in a room full of dynamite. One cannot put out a fire by pouring on gasoline.

What About Your Parents?

Some of you who are reading this are dancing, in open rebellion against your parents. God looks at that far more seriously than you do. “Rebellion is as witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. . . ” (1 Sam. 15:23). All disobedience makes self-will, the human I, into a god. The sins of pride and haughtiness lead to disregard for parents. In the Old Testament a rebellious son was to be stoned to death (Deut. 21:18-21). Paul said even the heathen nations of the past knew that disobedience to parents was a thing worthy of death (Rom. 1:28-32). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Eph. 6: 1). That’s the best reason in the world for doing a thing – because it’s right (God said so!). Your attitude in this matter will be determined by the degree of love you have for your parents – even if you don’t agree with them.

Others of you may be thinking of taking up dancing and have plans to try to hide your involvement. As sincerely as I know how to say it, I truly feel sorry for you. “It is an awful hour when the first necessity of hiding anything comes. The whole life is different thenceforth. When there are questions to be feared and eyes to be avoided and subjects which must not be touched, then the bloom of life is gone. Put off that day as long as possible. Put it off forever if you can” (Philip Brooks).

Conclusion

Elders, preachers, parents, are you shirking your responsibility to declare “the whole counsel of God” concerning lasciviousness? Are you pure from the blood of all men (Acts 20:26,27; Ezek. 3:18-21)? Parents, are you helping your children with this problem by providing a wholesome alternative in entertainment?

Generally speaking, I am encouraged by the quality of young people I see growing up in the kingdom of God. I appreciate the manner in which you are facing life’s problems and I feel fortunate to be associated with many of you. Young friends, you may not like my direct approach in dealing with this matter. I was a little sarcastic at times, but that was to help you see the point (Jesus used sarcasm for the same reason). However, I desire that we be friends and not enemies. “Am I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) I am trying to do for you the biggest favor that one person can do for another. I hope you appreciate it and receive it in the manner intended.

If you have a further defense for dancing which you feel outweighs all other considerations mentioned herein, I would be glad to hear it. If not, let’s plan on seeing each other in heaven. Until then, may God receive the glory for any good done by this treatise.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, pp. 240-241, 246
April 17, 1986