Though I like Steven Curtis Chapman's music, I always questioned when he called God the 'Lord of the Dance'. Perhaps it's the instant imagery of men in tights high stepping all over. Maybe it's my Free Methodist roots and fear of dancing coming out. Either way, it's always makes me stop and wonder. Is God a line-dancer? Can He break dance? Would He dip a lady in a tango?
But then I come across words of the Apostle Paul like this (found in 1 Thessalonians 4:1)
We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance.
It makes sense that God doesn't want dogged religious plodders. If I started a religion, I wouldn't want plodders. Soldiers, yes. Someone to cook, sure. But not plodders. The reason is simple. You can't plod without looking sad. Go ahead and try.
But dancers. I suppose this does make sense. It's hard to dance and be down. And dancers are involved with their partners. This is how we should be with Jesus. Involved, giving and taking, and yes, dancing. I guess this means I'll have to bring out my dancing shoes, do some stretching, and work on my moves. Oh boy, have I got moves. Christian girls, look out!
But then I come across words of the Apostle Paul like this (found in 1 Thessalonians 4:1)
We ask you—urge is more like it—that you keep on doing what we told you to do to please God, not in a dogged religious plod, but in a living, spirited dance.
It makes sense that God doesn't want dogged religious plodders. If I started a religion, I wouldn't want plodders. Soldiers, yes. Someone to cook, sure. But not plodders. The reason is simple. You can't plod without looking sad. Go ahead and try.
But dancers. I suppose this does make sense. It's hard to dance and be down. And dancers are involved with their partners. This is how we should be with Jesus. Involved, giving and taking, and yes, dancing. I guess this means I'll have to bring out my dancing shoes, do some stretching, and work on my moves. Oh boy, have I got moves. Christian girls, look out!
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