This article is a continuation of last week’s article. If you were unable to read Part 1, you can find it on our website, www.mountvernonchurchofchrist.org.
Alongside the immodest dress that is associated with the prom, another thing to consider is the activity associated with the event. Based on the clothing, we have already established the real issue and temptation of lust for those who are present. Combine this with the main event of the dancing that occurs, and what we have is a real problem. The type of dancing that is most often associated with the prom is dancing that places the two very close to each other, moving in suggestive manners, and adding fuel to a lust-filled fire. This perhaps helps to explain why it is not uncommon for teenagers to become sexually involved on their prom night – especially when one considers the prevalence of alcohol and drugs at many of the after-parties.[1] Is this the type of event that we as Christians should want to take part in or encourage our children to attend? We are called to “abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11). We are not to walk “in lewdness” or “lusts” like those of the world (1 Pet. 4:3). Such “immorality, impurity, and sensuality” are noted as being “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21, NASB). To actively take part in any work of the flesh is not to live as a Christian.
Despite the dangers of the prom, many still see it as a rite of passage and would not dare let their child miss out on such a big night. For parents, I can only imagine what a great challenge this must be, but we must keep in mind our responsibility to help our children maintain their purity and holiness to the best of our ability. For teenagers considering attending their prom, please consider who you are. If you have obeyed the gospel of Jesus Christ, your identity is found in Him (Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3-4). This means that all that we say or do must be filtered through Him. It can be difficult to go against the conflicting opinions of those around us, but as Christians, our desire ought to be to please God and to be obedient to Him in all things. When considering all that is associated with the prom, those striving to please God will conclude that it is not an event for the child of God to attend.
[1] Raychelle Cassada Lohmann, “Prom and the Afterparty: What Every Parent Should Know About Prom Night,” Psychology Today, 28 March 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/teen-angst/201703/prom-and-the-afterparty, Accessed 18 April 2023.
By Preston McElyea