What IS Right?

At church on Sunday there was a comment made about how there might be much disagreement even in our small group about different issues, such as dancing, drinking, and the like. The issue specifically raised was one of dancing, with the individual commenting that dancing was an activity engaged in on a somewhat frequent basis. There was concern that some people might find that wrong.

It disturbs me that Christianity has received such a “bad rap” that one would be hesitant to be open about listening to what is true about such things. While the Bible does not address every single circumstance one might come across in life, it certainly provides a framework for determining what is right and wrong, good and bad, wise and stupid. I’d like to reflect for a moment on what part of that framework might be, in the absence of clear guidance.

For example, the Bible is clear that being drunk is not a wise choice, or better stated, wrong. But it is not specific on when to drink or how much (except to the amount of being drunk). So the following list that I posted here is for those things that aren't clear -- and I think the Bible is clear in many situations.

The pattern that I see in Scripture that assists us in making right choices seems to be based on SOME of the following criteria (by NO means comprehensive -- just some random thoughts):

- Does this action hurt or cause others to stumble?
- Does this action bring me under its power (am I addicted or “hooked”)? (or put another way, does it feed the flesh?)
- Does this action bring glory to God?

Paul mentions in Romans that if eating meat causes his brother to stumble, he will never eat meat again. I think in the presence of those whose convictions might be a little narrower, it is wise for an individual to temper his or her actions with what he or she knows those people are comfortable with. If I am with someone who considers eating or drinking a certain thing a ‘sin’ or wrong for them, then better for me to not do so than to cause them to stumble. (Romans 14)

Paul also mentions in Corinthians about “all things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” God spent a great deal of effort and pain to set us free from sin – and anything that brings us into bondage to itself reduces the freedom that we have in Christ. Is what I am doing feeding that side that I have been set free from? For example, seeing an R-rated movie with a few steamy scenes might be ok for some, but how is it good for my mind – how can I think thoughts that are pure, honorable, right, and lovely (Phil 4:8) by seeing that?

And finally, Paul again writes that whatever we do, do for the glory of God. David danced before the Lord with all his might, because he loved God and was rejoicing in the return of the ark. What are my motivations for what I do – am I doing them for selfish reasons, or because I want to honor/glorify God?

So my response to the individual would be – it depends. If God came down and asked you to stop dancing, would you be willing to give it up? If you are with a group of people, one or more who think dancing is questionable, would you be willing to not dance that evening? And when you dance, are you doing so in a God-honoring (and respectful) manner? If so, then dance your heart out!