Time to Dance

WEEK 1: Dance Was Created by God

Read It

Before examining the dimensions of Christian dance, it is important to understand the origins of dance and the evidence for its relevance in scripture. The following scriptures guide us through the truth that dance was created by God for the purpose of bringing him glory.

Colossians 1:16 – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him.

The key phrase to note in this scripture is all things. When God created earth and everything in it, he was the only creator. With this logic and scripture proof it can be understood that everything that exists on earth now, as it always has, was created by God and for God. Nothing was originally created with a corrupt purpose. This includes dance as well as any form of worship.

Revelation 4:11 – Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.

God’s omnipotence in creation is a demonstration of how extraordinary he really is. This immense display of power is a reason to glorify him. Nothing can be in existence without his approval. You are in existence and so is dance.

Isaiah 43:6-7 – I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.

According to this verse, everyone whom God made was created for God’s glory. God has not only created everything, which is a reason to glorify him, but he has also designated from where the glory comes: his people.

1 Corinthians 6:20 – Glorify God in your body.

This scripture is in the section that refers to your body being a temple, making a point at glorifying God through keeping your body pure. Dance is also a way to glorify God with your body and purity in your body is an important part of glorifying God with dance.

Through these four scriptures you can get a brief understanding of the magnitude of creation and why you must glorify God. Since God created everything and dance is part of that, you can conclude that dance is a God-given way to glorify him.

Learn It

How does God’s display of power in creation change the way you feel about dance?

Is there any kind of dance that you feel does not bring glory to God? Why?

What can you do to remind yourself of the origins of dance and its purpose of bringing God glory?

Live It

During your warm-up, think about how powerful and brilliant God is. Remember that God created dance for the purpose of bring him glory. Allow that to affect both your attitude and movement while you warm-up. Use this time not only to warm-up your body but also to warm-up your heart. Keeping these things in mind may cause you to dance fuller, focus more, and be more expressive.