I know that question is loaded, but I had to ask it that way to get your attention. This morning, I read an Associated Press article about a senior at a Christian high school in Ohio who has been told he will be suspended from school if he attends he takes his girlfriend to her public high school prom.
The school’s stance is that it has a strict policy prohibiting students from engaging in immoral activities, such as “dancing, rock music, hand-holding and kissing,” according to the article. Though the teen’s family agreed to the school’s rules in writing, they believe that he should be able to walk at graduation later this month. But school officials will not have it if he steps foot in that secular school prom.
Now I know what many of you are thinking: “What in the world?!”
I think this article raises a few questions about the Christian lifestyle that really much be addressed by the Body of Christ. Others have a right to weigh in on the subject, as we all live in this world together. But believers really need to think about whom we are called to be and how we represent Him in this world.
The Word of God says that when a person gives his life to Christ, the Spirit of God comes to live within his heart to help him do what the Lord wants him to do (see John 14:16-18). And what does the Lord want us to do? 1 John 2:6 (NIV) says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” And how did He walk? In John 8:29, Jesus said, “I always do what pleases him,” in reference to God, the Father. And what pleases God? Many Scriptures speak to what it takes to please Him: Faith; obeying His commands; loving other believers; demonstrating His love in the world; witnessing and making disciples of others; and yes, living pure and holy lives—set apart from the world for service unto God.
I’ve been saved for a long time, but I’ve only really been walking with God for the past 10 years. I know that when I wasn’t paying Him any mind, I partied and did a lot of other things that I know were not pleasing to Him. When I came to my senses and really began to seek God, I desired to live a life that would be pleasing to Him—one that would be holy and acceptable, my reasonable service unto Him for all that He has done for us (for me).
That meant I had to step away from the things that everyone else did—the things that, in my view, clearly did not honor God. That meant drinking (even casual drinking), partying, dancing, watching crazy movies and TV shows, hanging out with just any ol’ body, using filthy language, making or even laughing at crass jokes, and so on. I had to strive to be holy because my God is holy and He commands us to be also.
Now I’m not perfect, by any means. But I desire to please Him and strive to do that in my life. His Holy Spirit corrects me when I fall short (and this happens daily) and helps me to do what is right.
As for this situation with the Christian high school, I believe that the intent of the school’s policy is in line with God’s Word. He does desire us to be holy—to be set apart for His service. The Word clearly says that in so many places (too many to write…Google it!).
But I do wonder if they went a little too far by inflicting such a harsh consequence. I mean, come on! The Lord has mercy for even the worst of sinners—in fact, His mercy extends to ALL sinners (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; et al.). Yes, there should be guidelines put in place to help steer children in the direction that God wants His people to go. But I wonder if they couldn’t have handled the prom situation differently.
A lot of crazy things happen on prom night. I know. I had two of them! But it is “the prom,” for goodness sakes! It’s a formal party that every high school kid looks forward to, even us Christian ones. It’s not some sweaty nightclub with unisex bathrooms or a house party with booze and kids packed to the ceiling. There will be parents and teachers chaperoning this thing, guys. Maybe the Christian school could send the boy to the prom, along with a school-appointed chaperone to make sure that he doesn’t break the rules. I can remember that having my mom or dad in any room was like having a glass of ice water thrown on a small fire. Their presence was a very effective deterrent to bad behavior.
And what an effective witness that could be! Wouldn’t it be awesome to have this kid, along with his school-appointed buddy, go to the secular school prom and truly represent Christ by not behaving in the way that other kids may behave? What an example he could be to others! What an example the Christian school could set for its community!
The bottom line is that we are in this world, but not of it. And as such, we are commanded to interact with it to try to win it for Christ. The Lord told us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. I think this is a perfect opportunity to put some grace, mercy, and witnessing-by-example into effect.
I’m not saying that believers should just hang out and party, simply to witness to others. No, God forbid! But this is this boy’s prom. His PROM! He may go and exhibit Godly behavior the whole night. Who knows? The school trained him and maybe he will uphold the Christian values that he’s learned. And maybe, just maybe, he’ll grow to see that he doesn’t even want to participate in the things that the unsaved do and be wholly separated for God’s service. But I don’t think that the school should so harshly penalize him for his decision. Demonstrate some love, guys, and model the Christ that you serve. Deal with the prom situation another way. Let him have his diploma. He earned it.
May God bless you all with wisdom and an understanding of who He really is, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Firmly In His Grip,
Genikwa
Rules are rules but they may not always be balanced or effectual. I see no problem Biblically with a party or a prom. There was dancing and rejoicing going on in both the Old and New Testaments. Many Christians may not be doing enough of that!
As followers of Christ one should always consider that Jesus is there at the party with you, how will one behave knowing that? Children should be taught Christian values and boundaries from birth. Then we pray for them and hope they grow Christian values deep within their hearts. We can try imposing boundaries on teens young and adults but is not authentic unless it comes from within.
I don’t know all the facts about this prom news but it just reinforces non-believers preconceived ideas that we are irrational uneducated people.
With Love,
Ayah AKA Kathleen Wells
Amen, my Sister!
Wow. Jesus, right there with you. That’s the ticket right there! If we could just act like we know that His presence is everywhere–even within us believers–we’d be a lot better off.
And you’re right. This article news article may reinforce some stereotypes about Christians, especially since it was an AP story. Worldwide exposure! I pray for Wisdom to step in and set things straight.
God bless you. And thanks for reading my blog!
Firmly In His Grip,
Genikwa
My pastor just preached this a couple weeks ago. Going into all the world and spending time with the lost. If we don’t spend time with the lost world how will they come to salvation. I have to admit, hanging with our Christian friends is so easy because we get along so well and have a great time. But we need to accept some invitations to dinner, bbq, and other things from those who are not saved and in our circle. It’s God’s desire that would come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.. Right?
Have a great day.
)
Cherie
Amen! We’ve got to show up!
Paul became everything to all men, so that he could win them for Christ. That certainly doesn’t mean that he sinned, but he did take into consideration the fact that others weren’t as enlightened as he was. He didn’t turn up his nose at their ways and what they did, even though he knew they were wrong in God’s eyes. He simply taught and lived the Truth. And he showed them mercy and kindness.
Thanks for reading my blog! God bless you!
Firmly In His Grip,
Genikwa
This reminds me of my mother as she grew up in the church, a old fashion Apostolic Church and at the time, everything was a sin. She said at the time it did not bother her, but as she looks back she does regret that she didn’t attend her prom.
As a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot do everything the world does, but at the same time I don’t feel that He has called us to be hermits. I don’t believe we should go to a bar, but a prom I see no problem. As we often say, we can be in the world and not of the world. To me the same applies here. We can go to the prom, but we don’t have drink what they drink, we don’t have partake in anything that would hinder our walk with the Lord.
But if our walk with the Lord is so week that we must hid ourselves, then where is the power that we are supposed to have when received the Holy Ghost. We should have enough power to go to a prom and still live saved.
Going to the prom could be one the greatest tool of showing how a child of God can live outside the church, being able to communicate with the world and yet remain holy.
I just went to my alumni HS reunion prom, last Saturday. Classes were there from 1968-2000+. I didn’t dance, but I sure wanted to! I believe that I represented the Kingdom, even still. I saw friends that I haven’t seen in over 35 years (prom pics are on myspace, Genikwa), and it was marvelous. I intend to go to the next event. Now, I don’t hang out at clubs, and rarely listen to secular music, unless its jazz or old-school R&B, once in a blue moon. I used to be quite the party animal, but because of where I am in Christ, I don’t feel the need to do those things.
My God-daughter is excited about her prom, this month. I hope that she will conduct herself with dignity, and not compromise. I know that there is much temptation, but hopefully, the seeds that have been planted, have been planted on fertile soil, with her!
Thanks for this excellent blog.
Pat