Christian lifestyle in a changing world

Not that long ago, at a Christian friend's wedding, I was confronted with a personal limitation--I can't dance. It's not lack of rhythm. It's a matter of upbringing. I am the beneficiary of a code of conduct carefully passed down by my parents which has now become integrally woven with my conscience. Though I may be able to rationalize certain conduct and base it on scriptural principle, my conscience is not so easily persuaded.

Perhaps you are also familiar with the "Christians don't" code. The list includes (but is not limited to) dancing, drinking, smoking, going to mov ies, wearing revealing clothing and dating (as opposed to courtship--the penetrating gaze of my stern faced Bible college professor flashes to mind on this one). Hair length, music, cosmetics, Sunday shopping and gender roles are also defined.

However, times and styles change. Rationales are forgotten. In time, The Code appears dated, extreme and irrelevant. As the gospel advances to include young people and adults from non-Christian backgrounds, the assumptions of The Code become a minority opinion. This is as it should be--not because The Code is irrelevant, but because it is healthy to rethink the biblical basis for our lifestyle choices and commit ourselves anew to meaningful "separation from the world".

The Christian life operates on a number of levels. The most fundamental level, of course, is the authority of Scripture. The second level is our theology--our interpretation of how it all fits together. This is often the subject of much debate, even among those who agree at the fundamental level. Theology is not inspired of God; it is interpretation. Consequently, we must not be too smug about our theology, for, as we grow in our faith, our understanding of the deep truths of Scripture might lead to some adjustments in our theology. On the third level is our code of conduct. Some matters of conduct are straightforward, directly drawn from Scripture. Much, however, is not explicitly stated, and requires that we make judgement calls and applications of general truths to specific situations. Two people who agree on the fundamentals may reach different conclusions on some moral issues.

The central truth of Scripture is that righteousness is received, not performed. "Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? . . . After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (Galatians 3:2,3). If we adhere to nothing else, let us repeat and promote this truth. We believe in "salvation by grace"--this should be second nature. I think, however, that in practice we often perform our Codes, not out of love for God or with Spirit-directed instinct, but as if doing so somehow earns merit with God. Is God pleased when we live morally cautious lives? No. What pleases God is a life lived by the Spirit. Such a life will certainly be moral, but not necessarily cautious; and, above all, it will not be self-righteous. The Apostle Paul addresses the question of lifestyles in Galatians 5:13-26. Even so, he addresses principles, not specifics--or is it the other way round? If he were asked his position on the principle of dancing, he would probably say, "Don't engage in sexual immorality or any impurity." Were he invited to watch a movie, he would more likely question its content than its location.

So will I pass The Code down to my children as it was passed down to me? I think so--somewhat edited perhaps, even added to, but recognizable. I would rather err on the safe side, to deny them a few pleasures and spare them many heartaches, than swing wide the gate and see them learn by trial and error. I hope that in time they will gain the discernment and wisdom of the Spirit to weigh their lifestyle choices less generally (discarding Dad's straight-laced values as appropriate). In the meantime it is my responsibility to program their consciences so that they will be inhibited in dangerous circumstances.

Now I must go. The curtains are drawn, the kids are in bed, the stereo is on, and my dance (and life) partner is waiting.

Paul Plant, (E-mail)
Agassiz, B.C.

Paul Plant works for the Correctional Service of Canada and serves on the council of Harrison Gospel Chapel in Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

Return to the M.B. Herald Vol. 35, No. 8 Home Page