Dear Reader,

Perhaps you don’t think He says anything about it! In actuality, there are 21 references to dancing mentioned in the Bible, some are good, and some are bad. Part of what makes the difference between them is the motive behind the action, and we shall see that in a little bit. First, a few comments on the good kind.

Scripture tells us that some dancing is done because of rejoicing (Jeremiah 31:13), in worship (II Samuel 6:14), and other times of joyfulness (Luke 15:25). We are not told the nature of the dance in these cases, but in at least one, there was leaping. In all likelihood, there was rhythmic movement, to the accompaniment of musical instrument(s), and in such a way that the participants and the spectators were led to focus on something besides the performers. This is an important point to remember.

Now, lets look at the other kind for a few moments. If we say that there is a bad kind of dance, or dancing, then there must be some things involved that are opposite the points mentioned above in the good dance, and that is what we will observe. First, some dances are performed to draw attention from the spectators to the dancer himself. The attire, or lack of it, and the motions, though rhythmic and to music, are all designed and performed to draw attention to something about the physical body, or some article of clothing being worn. In other words, this kind of dancing is suggestive and seductive, and causes the minds and imaginations of the performers and spectators to be filled with immoral thoughts and temptations. An example of this kind of dance is mentioned in Matthew 14:6. I heard one time that a man, a non-Christian, said that dancing was a way to get as close as you can to your neighbor’s wife, and to finish the thought of the statement, I believe I could add, “and not get shot!”

For those who wish to live in a way that honors God and pleases Him, the second kind of dancing will be out of the question. By the same token, there may be times of spiritual rejoicing, or a spiritual victory won, where we just cannot keep still. In all, may God be glorified!

Thanks for reading,
Pastor Ritchey