Dancing and Such Like
The Greek word aselgeia involves lustful, lewd, suggestive, indecent bodily movements and/or the touching or handling of others inappropriately. In the New Testament it is translated “lasciviousness” (Mark 7:22; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; Jude 1:4), “wantonness” (Romans 13:13; 2 Peter 2:18) and “filthy” (2 Peter 2:7). The condemnation of God is announced upon those who commit this grievous sin. Modern dancing certainly fits the definition of aselgeia. But what about dancing at weddings or square dancing or other types of so-called “fun dancing” such as the Hokey Pokey and things of that nature?
The point about dancing being sinful is not actually the “dancing” itself, per se. It’s like swimming, there’s nothing inherently sinful about swimming. But it’s what goes on in mixed company (and sometimes the same company) that can make dancing, swimming and all “such like” activities wrong and sinful.
Dancing, swimming, cheer leading, and any other such-like thing that involves suggestive or indecent bodily movements and/or immodest dress, lends itself to lust. Lust is sinful when one “dwells” upon it in their mind. Sinful thoughts are contrary to pure, chaste, blameless, holy thoughts. No one can absolutely prevent a lustful thought from crossing their mind — such is natural. But the point is, do we dwell on it? Do we consider it more and more? Do we look for opportunities to see more? Do we wish we had the opportunity to carry out our secret dreams?
The Bible says we can sin by just thinking of something in our mind, even though we don’t follow through with the action. The Lord said, “…whosoever looks upon a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Potiphar’s wife lusted after Joseph and sought to fulfill her lust with him. It started when she “…cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me” (Genesis 39:7). Joseph was innocent in regards to her sin. He did not contribute to it. He did not tease her. As a matter of fact, he did not even want to be around her. Genesis 39:10 says, “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” It was her sin, not his. However, he would have contributed to her sin by acting provocatively, seductively, sexy. His dress or undress or indecent bodily movements (lasciviousness) would have promoted her lustful desires. In that case, he would not be innocent in their great wickedness and sin against God (Genesis. 39:9). James 1:15 says, “…when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” We can’t control another’s lustful thoughts, but we better not contribute to it by our dress or actions and then claim we’re innocent in the matter! Jesus never dressed or acted in a way that caused others to lust after him and neither should we.
All temptation comes through one or more of three areas: 1) the lust of the flesh, 2) the lust of the eyes and 3) the vain glory (pride) of life (1 John 2:15-17). Every possible sin is a result of one fulfilling their lustful desires in one or more of these three areas. Jesus was tempted in all three areas (Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 4:15). But, he did not “dwell upon” or “give in” to the temptation.Therefore, did not sin (1 Peter 2:22).
If we could be absolutely guaranteed and assured that we do not sin in our minds when we dance, swim, or any action that promotes lustful thoughts, then we could say that we’ve done no wrong in our own heart by participating in dancing, swimming, etc. But then, another point must be considered. Can we say we have not promoted, excited or contributed to our dancing partner having lustful thoughts? No, we can’t say that. What about others present that see me (us) dance? Have their minds remained pure and holy? We must also consider our influence and example. If I’m pure myself, but act in such a way that causes others to sin, then I’m just as guilty as they are. We know Jesus did not sin himself, but did he ever act in such a way that contributed toward others being tempted to sin? Was his influence on others always pure? Certainly it was. Would he involve himself in any activity that might excite others to lustful desires? If he did so, he would have sinned. But since the Lord never sinned, neither was any guile ever found in his mouth (1 Peter 2:22), we know he never contributed to anyone’s sin.
In our minds, we generally think of dancing at a wedding, square dancing, hokey pokey and other such activities is not as bad as the vulgar, lewd dancing done by the masses. However, as for me, I don’t want to even remotely put myself in a situation where I could possibly cause another person to sin. There’s no reason for me to do that. I can avoid doing it. I’m committing no sin by avoiding it. So, I don’t do it. Shall we see how close we can get to sin without sinning? I don’t think so!
Those who cause others to sin are not guiltless. They bare responsibility too. They will be judged accordingly. The power of influence and example is undeniable. Jesus warned his disciples to not be influenced by the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matthew 16:6; Luke 12:1). He knew full well that a little leaven spreads to others (Galatians 5:9). Galatians 5:7 speaks of those who had been hindered by others. The actions and words of others can overthrow our faith if we’re influenced by them (2 Timothy 2:17-18).There are many enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18).
Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled. This says that whatever husband and wife do in privacy is their business. This would include dancing, swimming, etc. They certainly can desire one another, lust after one another and can fulfill that desire without sinning. But, can they do in “public” what they have the privilege to do as husband and wife in “private”? Could they dance (or swim) in public without causing others to sin? Maybe so, maybe not. We have no control over what others think. But, that’s the point. We can’t control other people’s thoughts or actions. Therefore, they do not have the liberty to do anything they want in public because their actions may very well excite others to lust and desire to fulfill that lust which causes them to sin. I’ve used the example of swimming because of the skimpy, immodest attire, that is worn. Even if one is fully clothed while swimming, one’s clothes, when wet, cling to the body and highlight areas that cause others to lust. If we can swim in private, that’s fine; but in public, we may very well cause others to sin. The same is true of dancing. If we cause others to sin, then we are guilty too. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says to avoid all appearance of evil.
As Christians, we must not see how close we can get to sin without committing it. That’s not what the Lord wants us to do.