An Inside Job

At times it is a disservice to dance ministers when the outward appearance is emphasized more than what is within. Immaculately pressed garments, fragranced skin, perfect form, and an eternal smile seem to be more performance-driven than reality conscious. There is no harm in making sure that we are presentable before the people, but when this becomes a false front, we are no longer worshipping in truth.

This does not mean that every problem and experience that we have should be laid out in the open for the entire congregation to see. This may mean that we may have to confront some of the tough issues facing our ministries today. If we are aware of sexual misconduct, rude behavior, drug abuse, falsehood, backbiting, rivalry, or other unresolved issues in our ministries, we should address the problems in a loving manner and pray for deliverance. Immediately ejecting offenders from the ministry may not be the solution, but we should definitely have a corrective action plan in place.

Unrepentant sin will have a drastic effect on our ministries. If we are wondering why ministries have no power, we must take a look on the inside. If we are constantly dealing with setbacks and repeated problems, we must pray for the Lord to clean house. If our focus becomes more about movement than on the Word of God, we must become disciples again. If we are not leading lives as followers of Christ, then we are merely dancing for our own enjoyment.

Matthew 23:25-26 (NKJV)
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Matthew 23:28 (NKJV)
Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Mark 7:21-23 (NKJV)
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”