So it is rumored that someone, or several, I attend church with, or have attended church With, saw me dancing at the Moose Lodge. It seemed as if they felt I shouldn’t be dancing or carrying on as I may, being a Christian who serves in church and a ministry leader….
Allow me to expound upon my perspective and thoughts: First of all I am who I am whether in church or out of church. No matter if it is Sunday, or any day thru the week. I do not put on a fake facade. I am consistently me, and I know who I am, what I am about, what I do, why & to Whom I serve, and it certainly isn’t the thoughts or opinions of mankind. Besides what someone else thinks or says about me is none of my business.
Everyone has an opinion, and many assume. However we should know what assume does. Yes, I am a Christian, an imperfect human in need of a Savior Whom is perfect. Many Christian have a variety of convictions, and there are many denominations of churches in which have a variety of covenants. Some churches mandate certain behaviors, “codes”, or conduct. In fact, some churches would never let me lead, teach, or preach because I am divorced. Some would consider it unacceptable to wear jeans in church, listen to rock music or dance music, and only sing traditional hymns and have no instruments in church other than maybe an organ or piano…. I believe the church was never meant to be a dry or dismal museum for saints, artifacts, and statues, but a hospital for sinners to learn, repent, worship, serve, get equipped and go out; and we are all sinners.
Personally I care very little about human made church rules and regulations, and what people whom are not very close to me think or say. I care what the bible says, and strive to chase the Beautiful Outlaw in Jesus. I try not to assume what the bible does or doesn’t say, only what it does say, and the context in which it says it.
Now if you have read thus far, allow me to share my perspective and thoughts even more with some biblical references…
I don’t necessarily adhere to a strict interpretation of a specific church’s denominational “rules” and “regulations” that tend to be man made. Jesus set us free to live life with passion.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
Not a life in bondage of a specific rule to where we may be “judged” if we watch certain movies or listen to certain music, or dance. I’m not “fundamental” in that aspect. I like good music, good movies, much of the arts, theater, and dancing,… and I don’t wear a tie or suit to church. I often go to church in shorts, sandals, and a T-Shirt, or an old pair of jeans and Harley shirt or leather jacket. Some denominations may be strict on those things. However, I am me, and I know who I am, what I am about, and to Whom I serve. I do not need humanity to define me, or place me in a box. My Creator has told me Who I am, and has set me free to be me, and strive to be the best man He is continually molding me into.
I believe that God wants us to enjoy the creative. He is the Creator by all means. We were built to be creative. There is some great music out there, thought provoking theater performances, and good movies to watch, and if you feel like dancing, do it, I say. King David danced with gladness. I believe we should be passionate about what you do and who you are. We just should be respectful, and be guided by principles in our passion focusing on what is good, and acceptable to our Creator.
Psalm 150:1–5
“Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 149:3, “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”
Ecclesiastes 3:4, “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,”
Jeremiah 31:13, “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
Ecclesiastes 3:9–13 NLT, “What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.“
Yes, I dance and enjoy it, especially with my loved ones. I like a variety of music including rock music. In fact, I do a lot of things that may not be agreeable by some churches and church denominations. I am okay with that as I serve God, and not mankind. I have also had more near death experiences than I care to count, and lost a lot in my life, and grateful I have lived through it all, and built much back up. As I experienced all that I have experienced in my life, I celebrate the gift of each new day the Lord has blessed me with Purpose, navigating with Principles, and exploring with Passion!
