Be a Dancer

“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5: 14-16

There are real-life lessons about faithful living and influencing in this entertaining video that is admittedly a bit grainy.

It is an astonishing three minutes. The culture of the concert changes because of an individual who dances erratically and slightly silly manner. In a fantastic shift, the crowd majority moves from a disengaged "entertain me" mode to have an "I want to be involved" spirit. They converted from sitting to themselves to thinking of each other. They began to rally side by side towards the one common purpose of helping each other make a memory. 

People starred at him, laughed, and pointed out his foolishness, but nothing was going to stop this young man. In irony, the scene unfolds to a song titled Unstoppable, containing the repeated lyrics, "I've got to be unstoppable."

If you want to see a dynamic shift in the group you lead or are a member, consider further.

1) Be confident that God has made you a gift to others. (Mt 5:14)

I'm not sure the dancing fellow had the gift of dance, but he did give his energy to those around him. That spark started a fire. Don't buy into the lies from your enemy that tells you that you're not enough or you can't. Regardless of your talents, you are a gift to those around you. Give of yourself to them.

2) Stop giving in to bitter thoughts. (Jn 15:12)

Bitterness, anger, and negative thoughts squish us and our faith in God. We take on a non-dreaming spirit that causes us to reason that no one else is stepping out, so neither will I. Our reservations cause us to unproductively focus on the weaknesses or mistakes of others. Criticalness and negativity are not helpful. Put the thoughts behind you. In this video example, perhaps tired of sitting, the dancing man leaves his inhibitions aside, showing not a single concern of negative thoughts that could have stopped him.

3) Be willing to take a chance on God; put yourself out there. (Mt 14:28)

It would have been easier for him to stay seated with the rest of the crowd, for they looked comfortable on the grass while they enjoy listening to music. For the lone dancing man, it took initial energy and a desire to step out, to put himself into a zone that may have felt uneasy, a bit foolish, and a stretch to the surrounding status quo. Perhaps he felt a bit uncomfortable as the crowd gawked and at least one person filmed as the band played. But his departure from the norm, his choice to move from comfortable to uncomfortable, reaped a growthful harvest.

4) To make a difference, you'll need to be different. (1 Sam 17:32-37)

Not to be equated to being rebellious or disrespectful, too many times, we find ourselves wishing for something to be different. Yet, we come to the table in the same manner as we have long before looking for someone else to make the desired change.  Thinking about making a difference doesn’t make a difference, but being the difference does.

He takes it on himself. In respect to the concert authorities, the dancer takes on enthusiasm to be different. It works. Dozens of others join him at the moment because of him. Since then, the video has been viewed more than 16 million times, spawned at least one TEDx Talk, and inspired at least this one blog. He made a big difference.

5) When others being to join, rally to support them. (1 Cor 13:4-6)

One courageous and slightly crazy act inspires another fellow to join. The first dancer excitedly welcomes the new friend, and for a moment, the dancing act grows as the one becomes two. Contrary to putting supporters behind him as he leads the way, this dancer's thoughtful addition of the second man is what the people see. It had a leader, but the group was a unified team with one vision. The hearts of the crowd began to be stirred as they see the dancers as an inclusive group. Another joins. Soon, one by one, more and more join in. One lone fellow had changed them all through action.

6) Most important – humbly walk with God (Micah 6:8)

In the same way that one person can not know what another wants unless they spend time together, it is imperative that we have daily times with God. Deeper understanding and implantation of His word is necessary for an inspired life. Godly people will help us in our character as well. Don't think that you can create Godly growth or change in a group setting without your personal Godly growth and change.

Read the verse above one more time, except insert your name for the first word. God has worked tirelessly to shape your life into a magnificent being that can inspire those around you, and Jesus says it plainly as he speaks to His followers, including you today. "(Your name) is the light of the world." 

The shirtless man's action is infectious at the concert. Yours can be the same where you live today and this week. In your church, small bible group, work, or classroom, where do you fit into the video? Do you have dreams that you are ready to launch or thoughts on making your group better? BE the inspiration you want to see! Be the one who dances!