By Nadine Voogt
Have you ever seen the final scene of a Rom-Com where the man or woman does something completely embarrassing and undignified to profess his/her love for their one true love? I’ve always thought how no “normal” person would do these extravagant outward expressions, unless they really loved this person they were professing their love to… or they were completely crazy. It made me think, what does it look like to be undignified and in complete love with Christ?
When we look at 1 Samuel 6:14-22 King David brings the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence, into Jerusalem. He dances and celebrates before the Lord regardless of whether it looks undignified to those around him. His wife Michal criticizes his exuberance, but David defends his actions in verse 21 and 22 saying “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes…” (NIV)
King David, “a man after God’s own heart” surely loved the Lord with everything He had, to go against “societal norms” and become undignified to show His love, dedication and to glorify the Lord. I do not know about you, but I even struggle to do a little more than an arm raise and side to sidestep at church during worship on a Sunday, or to declare to my co-workers the love I have for Jesus and why I live the way I do. My brain is constantly aware of those around me and what they would see as “acceptable.” How many areas and instances in our lives do we just follow the social norms, rather than live undignified in complete love for the Lord?
Because dancing was one of the ways David showed his love and devotion to God, we are going to look at the word DANCE and see how each of these letters can lead us to practical ways to live “undignified” for Christ, breaking social norms.
D- Devotion to God
Without our complete devotion to God, we will never be able to live a life for Him. We start by prioritizing time in prayer, worship and studying the word to know Him better and deepen our relationship with Him. Only then can we genuinely love him with all we have. Think about it, your relationship with your significant other would have never grown into a deep love if you had spent no time with them, having deep conversations, sharing your heart and dreams with them. Of course the Lord knows this, which is why in Matthew 22:37 Jesus says the greatest commandment is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (NIV)
A- Accept the challenge.
We know we will face opposition in this world, so accept the challenge! We will be judged, we will be criticized, it is up to us to challenge social norms that contradict God’s word and be the light in every environment we find ourselves in. As a light we do not hide under a bowl, rather we go on a stand. ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ‘ Matthew 5:16
N- Navigate by God’s approval.
Colossians 3:23 says ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ‘
In every decision, in every step we take we should look for God’s approval above all else, living in a way that honors him and aligns with His word, rather than conforming to what is acceptable to others. When we submit everything to Him, regardless of what society thinks, everything falls into place the way He planned for it to. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight.’ Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV)
C- Confidence in faith
Even when facing criticism or opposition we need to stand firm in our faith, trusting His promises, and remaining steadfast in His commands. That is the only way we will get through when it seems like you are being attacked from every angle. Paul says it quite simply in 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
We know that we have access to unwavering hope and strength, when we trust in Jesus and stand firm in faith through every challenge, regardless of what society thinks.
E- Embrace Worship
Express your love and worship for God authentically, whether through singing, dancing, or other forms of worship, without worrying about what others may think. I am not saying tear your shirt off and run around screaming. But if you want to dance like nobody’s watching, sing at the top of your voice or kneel in submission, be authentic. ‘Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. ‘ Psalms 100:2. “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands.” Psalms 63:4. There is so much scripture that shows us how we can worship and praise God authentically. Embrace a lifestyle of complete worship to the King above all kings, the Lord our God, our Saviour, Jesus.
As followers of Christ, our lives should always point back to HIM, no matter what others think. I encourage you to D.A.N.C.E through life, in complete love and adoration, “undignified” and “humiliated in our own eyes” for Jesus. After all, He is our one true love.