The dance ministry is in need of emergency assistance! The call to repentance is now! Movement ministers that once operated in liberty are now in bondage at the hands of our own. For many, the limits that we once faced were attributed to a church culture that did not understand the arts as having a place in the traditional setting. As the doors have opened to the creative arts, we are now faced with oppression within our own ranks.
Speculation, accusation, disenfranchisement, separation, offense, pride, self-promotion, envy, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, misunderstanding, ignorance, and greed have magnified in the worship arts over the last few years. This has not been limited to the local dance ministries, but has risen through the ranks on a national and international level. When will we turn from our ways and be healed, dance ministers?
If we are honest with ourselves, we know that there are some things that the Holy Spirit has brought to our attention that needs to be corrected. Whether we receive a word in our spirits, through a prophet, or through another person, we have been warned that it is time for us to address our behavior. We cannot walk in self-righteousness and expect goodness in return. Our disobedience regarding walking in love will result in our own demise.
For my critics, I praise God. Why? Either I will have to face the truth or thank God for reminding me to stay on my face before Him. Instead of getting defensive, I pray and ask the Lord to reveal to me if any of it is true. If it is, I then ask for Him to deliver me from anything in me that is not reflective of Him. (I am still a work in progress!) If it is not true, I know that His word concerning me will prevail and that my accusers will have to deal with their own souls. We sink into danger when we automatically perceive every criticism as an attack from the enemy. The Lord chastens those He loves, according to the Word (Hebrews 12:6).
If we consider others more than ourselves, our actions will continue to line up with the Word of God. When we become the center of attraction in our dance ministries, we can expect division to multiply. My heart aches at the pains that the dance ministries are facing in this hour. I can testify that I have experienced hurt and disappointment at the hands of others in this ministry, but continue to pray that the Repairer of the Breach restores that which has been damaged. I cannot allow myself to be guilty of the same abuses as an excuse for bad behavior.
Is there anything that we know we need to repent for concerning our behavior towards others in the dance ministry?
Have we cut off relationships with other dancers because of separation from other leaders and organizations?
Are we choosing sides in arguments based on likes/dislikes instead of praying?
Have our words through social networking sites, blogs, newsletters, and personal appearances caused irreparable harm?
Is there someone we need to reach out to and ask for forgiveness, even if we think that it will not be received?
Let us have clean hands and pure hearts! Let us return to a place where we only minister and do all to the glory of God! Lord have mercy on us, and revive us again!
(New King James Version)
Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Romans 13:4
For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
1 Peter 3:15-17
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
2 Corinthians 6:3
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
