Should A Christian Attend The High School Prom?
No.
Christians are to be and remain the light of this dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). It is important that Christians show that they have been sanctified (that is, set apart) from the world, including worldly activities that may lead to sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3). Sexual immorality is of this world (1 John 2:15-17) and is one of the biggest contributors to the unraveling and unweaving of the moral fabric of our world. It is common knowledge that one of the designs of the modern dance (including the prom) is to promote a lustful environment (including immodest clothing and lustful, bodily movements) that leads to the next step, namely, leaving the dance in order to commit sexual immorality. Proverbs 22:3 and 27:12 state: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” This proverb is applicable to us today because as Christians we are to be wise (Ephesians 5:17), “have an understanding of the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32), and be in tune with what is happening around us. A Christian should be able to foresee an evil practice and disassociate himself/herself from such a practice so that they will not fall into its intended consequences. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Christians are to “Abstain from every form of evil” which includes abstaining from “fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11) and from “sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
First, there is the danger of sight that is associated with the modern dance and the prom. What a person sees with his/her eyes can produce lust in the heart which brings forth sin (James 1:14-16). Jesus teaches us to control our eyes and our hearts (Matthew 5:27,28). In Mark 6:14-29 and Matthew 14:6-8 Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced before Herod Antipas and the text states that it pleased Herod. Does the high school prom help promote the modern dance which helps facilitate the development of youth lusting after each other as sexual objects? To ask is to answer. It is also a fact that there will be those who are dressed in immodest apparel (1 Timothy 2:9). How will a Christian, who is supposed to be sanctified for the purpose of purity (Matthew 5:8), be able to attend the prom without damaging his/her purity?
Second, there is the danger of touch that is associated with the modern dance and the prom. One of the works of the flesh is known as “lasciviousness” (Galatians 5:19-21). It means unbridled lust and sensuality. It includes exciting sexual desires by indecent bodily movements and touch. The high school prom that features the modern dance is a promoter of this “work of the flesh”. When a man and woman handle each other in indecent ways, it will cause this sin to come to the forefront.
Third, there is the danger of influence that is associated with the modern dance and the prom. Our influence will either bring glory to Jesus (and even win souls) or become a stumbling block (Matthew 18:6,7). We are to use our power of influence in living out the Christian life to the glory of God and to lead others to Christ (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 14:7). Ask yourself whether the prom/modern dance would fit the categories found in Philippians 4:8, meditating on things that are pure, true, just, noble, etc. Attending the prom is not worth risking your soul or the soul’s around you. Would you truly feel confident in your soul if Jesus were to come while you were in the middle of a lustful dance at the prom? Even if you and your “date” were modest and did not choose to dance or to view those who were dancing – this is not the type of environment of which holy Christians should be a part. Consider the fact that you may have a younger sibling or a weaker Christian who finds out you attended and therefore concludes it is safe and Christ-like to attend. Your example is very important!
May young people stand as an example that Timothy was to follow in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
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