It is that time of the year when young people are thinking about "The Prom." There are some young people and parents who consider the prom as one of the highlights of the school year. They look forward to it with great anticipation. Some do not see any problem with "The Prom" and other modern dancing. It is tragic and sad to hear of some young people who claim to be children of God attending such activities. To make it even worse, some parents will encourage and condone such. Yes, such is tragic as well as sinful (2 John 9-11). "The Prom" with its modern dancing is no place for a child of God. Notice some reasons why that is the case:

Dancing is condemned in the Scripture. When you read of the works of the flesh as listed in Galatians 5:19-21, Paul said that they who "do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." Please consider two of the things mentioned: "Lasciviousness" and "reveling." Lasciviousness is described as "filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females" (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon). Reveling is a "jovial feast with music and dancing" (Liddell Scott Greek Lexicon). When one understands the meaning of these words, it is evident that dancing and "Proms" are condemned in the Scripture.

Dancing causes lewd and lustful desires. You cannot obey "Flee also youthful lusts" (2 Timothy 2:22); "...neither be partakers of other men's sins; keep thyself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22), and "...abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11) while engaging in the modern dance. When we engage in activities that cause such, it is sinful. Remember that Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).

Dancing crushes one's influence for good. We do influence the people around us for good or evil. Dancing, attending the prom is not a 'good work.' We must stay away from those things   that   are   evil   (1 Thessalonians 5:22;   Matthew 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:12). Young people keep your body and heart pure (1 Corinthians 6:16-20; Matthew 4:8). Parents, you must help your children to be pure in their attitudes, actions, attire and activities by guiding them and directing them in the way that is right. Both parents and young people need to stand up for what is right and oppose that which is wrong (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 16:13).

Many excuses are offered to justify such activities, but none will stand in light of what the Bible teaches. What about "The Prom"? It is not a place for the faithful child of God. We must do as Paul said in Titus 2:12, "...denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world." Plan an alternative.