There are few subjects (if any) that will make a preacher more unpopular and disliked among teens and their parents than for him to warn about the spiritual dangers of the prom against one’s soul (and for him to use the Bible to “try” to prove it). So, in order to gratify these my brethren, I’ve found some verses that will soothe all of our consciences regarding the prom (and its “after” parties) and support our efforts to defend a Christian teenager’s presence and participation in such events. See if these verses will help. I hope they will.
“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this…to keep oneself unspotted from the world except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (James 1:27).
“Do not be conformed to this world, except for prom (and its “after” parties), which are that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).
“Be an example of the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (1 Tim. 4:12).
“Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her, except at prom (and its “after” parties), has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: immorality, impurity, sensuality…and things like these…Those who practice such things, except at prom (and its “after” parties), will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:19-21).
“Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (1 Pet. 2:11).
“Flee also youthful lusts except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (2 Tim. 2:22).
“Abstain from every form of evil, except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (1 Thess. 5:22).
“Keep yourself pure, except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (1 Tim. 5:22).
“As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, except for prom (and its “after” parties)” (1 Pet. 1:15).
Well, there you have it. Ten Bible passages that support Christian participation in the prom (and its “after” parties), which will make me popular with teens and their parents. However, as should be obvious, if I want to be “popular” with and accepted by God, I must teach His Word faithfully. Thus, when I remove the italicized additions to the ten Bible passages, it becomes very plain that Jesus actually does not endorse or like the prom (and its “after” parties). And, I know this, because the Bible tells me so.