In titling the message 'Dancing to God’s Beat,' I wanted to ensure you have a better understanding of what it means to be in tune with God while living the life of an obedient Christian. In the Gospel of Matthew, in chapter 11, we read: "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call out to the other children and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a song of mourning, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’" This piece of scripture dives a little more in-depth, where Jesus reflects on how people misunderstood both John the Baptist and himself. He compares that generation to children sitting in the marketplace, complaining that others do not respond the way they expect. John came with a strict, ascetic lifestyle, and people said he was possessed. Jesus came eating and drinking with people, and they accused him of being a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Jesus' point is that we, the people, were unwilling to accept either messenger, no matter how God sent the message. How many times has God given us so much, and we are yet to return our genuine appreciation and love? Was what God did for us wasted away? 2 Peter tells us, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance." In essence, Jesus is pointing out the stubbornness and inconsistency of people who refuse to receive God's message, coming up with all kinds of excuses. Whom do we call upon when life gets tough? Who do we depend upon when things do not go our way?
At one time, I lost the ability to hear God’s music, the heavenly, beautiful music. I ignored the signs, and I did not consider the sinful consequences. I misplaced my judgment with false hope, and yet, at night, I cried myself to sleep countless times, being so far away from friends and family, not to mention God, while not truly realizing how much damage I caused in my own life. I was a good person; yes, I did great things. I prayed to God when I felt like it, read my Bible occasionally, and attended worship services when I felt the need. However, it just was not enough.
In truth, all of us want to sing the song that pierces our mortal minds to hopefully find a remedy for this age-old ailment of happiness and joy. Let me be clear that there is absolutely nothing wrong on earth for mankind to find joy, contentment, and happiness. Scripture speaks fluently on this subject. Listen to what Charles Swindoll once said: "The habit of always putting off an experience until you can afford it, or until the time is right, or until you know how to do it is one of the greatest burglars of joy. Be deliberate, but once you’ve made up your mind—jump in." In other words, go for it, but be cautious; enjoy it, but be mindful of its origins. Live the happiness only to the point where the spirit is nurtured, not the flesh.
A near-sighted percussionist was at the end of his rope. He was ridiculed countless times for not staying in beat with the rest of the band. So he decided to change instruments. He walked into a music shop and said, "I'll take that red trumpet over there and that accordion." After a second, the shop assistant said, "OK, you can have the fire extinguisher, but the radiator stays." Maybe the band members had a reason after all.
When it comes to dancing to God's beat, we sometimes forget it comes at a price. Many people are fascinated by Jesus, Christian or non-Christian alike. I knew one woman who was not a Christian said to me, "Say hi to the old man for me," meaning God. Remember, even the disciples reached moments where they wanted to esteem themselves with the title "I’m the greatest" even amongst their ranks. We want to taste God's heavenly gifts, see His promises come true, experience genuine happiness and joy, yet we often fail to realize that we must dance to God's beat to achieve it. We have to pay the price.
I want to leave you with some great points to reflect upon when it comes to staying in tune with God. Firstly, when we are given free will, God gives us freedom to choose. Peter's first letter tells us, "Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God." Serving God is about choosing freedom. Paul's letter to the Romans tells us, "For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in relation to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life." This is where true happiness and joy reside. Secondly, nothing satisfies our empty void without God. Listen to Psalm 63: "God, You are my God; I shall be watching for You; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and exhausted land where there is no water. So have I seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and glory. Because Your favor is better than life, My lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with fat and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand takes hold of me." True happiness and joy are only found in God. Last but certainly not least, please listen carefully. Always remember what God has done for His people, including you. Remember His wonders and His decisions. Psalm 105 tells us, "Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments spoken by His mouth." Deuteronomy 8:18: "But you are to remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, in order to confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And it shall come about, if you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and serve and worship them, I testify against you today that you will certainly perish. Like the nations that the Lord eliminates from you, so you shall perish because you would not listen to the voice of the Lord your God."
So, friends, let us learn to start today dancing to God’s beat, as true happiness and joy come from within and grow in knowing our purpose, cultivated by gratitude, practicing contentment, taking care of our body, mind, and soul, serving others in acts of godly compassion, and growing spiritually while remembering and accepting our imperfections.
Repeat this: "Father, what we know not, teach us. What we have not, give us. What we are not, make us."