Mortal Combat

Because we use our bodies as tools for ministry, the temptations that we face may often be carnal. What is alluring to someone else may not be a trap for us. We may allow ourselves to overindulge in various areas if we are not watchful. Any areas that we find ourselves struggling with must be confessed and submitted to the Lord.

These problem areas may come in the form of food addiction, inappropriate physical relationships, unhealthy habits (smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, etc), and so on. Think that dancers in the church are not practicing immoral activites? Think again. We must daily surrender our personal struggles to the Lord and ask Him to purify our hearts. What is allowed to rule the mind will eventually show up in our bodies (and destroy the validity of our ministries).

Ministers of dance must carefully guard against any inclination to practice unrighteousness. Each day that we overcome temptation is a victory. If we want to operate in the power of the Spirit, then we must daily place the flesh under subjection. The call to discipleship involves discipline. Physical toning and training our bodies is not enough. Spiritual wholeness is a vital component for effective movement ministry to transform the lives of others. The process begins with us.

Romans 6:12 (NKJV)
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

Romans 8:13 (NKJV)
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

2 Corinthians 4:11 (NKJV)
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, ornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.