Dance.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Dance. Why are we so afraid of labels? It has occurred to me in recent years that so much of our time, especially in ministry, is spent worrying about what people will say about us. We are concerned that if we do something people will talk. Some may even label us something if we do certain things. They may even go so far as to think we’re crazy if we do something that’s outside of the “box” they are used to.
It’s been my experience that many of the things we are afraid of being labeled for were commonplace in Scripture. It wasn't considered strange to be different then, but rather was expected if you knew Christ. I want that.
Have you ever had a moment when you were just so full of the joy of the Lord that you just felt like you could dance? I’m not talking about the Macarena; I’m talking about cutting loose. I’m not referring to something you have to learn or some rehearsed steps, but just letting what’s inside you come out.
I’m not sure why we have become so afraid of displaying our joy. After all, one of the greatest gifts of being a child of God is joy in the midst of good or bad circumstances. So why on earth would we “hide it under a bushel?”
Maybe your joy won’t manifest itself in dancing. Maybe that’s not you. I’m not telling you to force it. I’m telling you to let yourself express it, however that joy may come out. Surely, at least, a smile is part of that expression. Check yourself throughout your day and see how much joy you’re sharing with the world around you. Can they see anything in you that they might want, at all?
So maybe you won’t dance, but can I make an admission to you this morning? I have, and it’s usually been in the solitude of a time with just me and God. I’m sure I didn’t have moves as impressive as David of the Old Testament, but I danced nonetheless. When my joy becomes almost uncontainable, I just let it out. Why would I hold that in, afterall? God gave it to me, and is giving it to me, so I want to give it back to Him in some way.
Your dance may not be literal, but we all have a “dance” of sorts. The way you treat the cashier at Wal-Mart today is your dance. The way you talk to your spouse today is your dance. The way you represent Christ out and about today is your dance. Let His joy overflow from you, so that others will see Him in your dance.
Now I’ve got to sign off…I’ve got a rug to cut.

PS: due to the fact that I’ll be moving to my new home tomorrow, there will be no Thought From Blake tomorrow or Friday. If everything goes as planned the new office should be set up by Monday of next week and I’ll be back up and running by then. Have a great, sunny, dance-filled weekend, and thanks again for reading!



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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