04.02.06 Bulletin Article -- The Good of a Prom Alternative

During the Spring of every school year, there are many things going on to make life seem extremely busy. One of the yearly rituals is the Prom. Most are familiar with the general concept of the Prom and most have heard the arguments against going to the Prom. On the other hand, during my four years in high school and the five years since, I have yet to hear a Christian logically show why going to the Prom is a beneficial thing. That way of thinking sounds absurd to some young people, but it is the way we are to operate as Christians. It’s the way we know what to do during worship, church organization, etc.: we do only the things we know God approves of.

Instead of arguing against the Prom for the rest of this article, I want to briefly observe some of the good things about Prom Alternatives. In this area, it’s impossible to say that there aren’t other options to the Prom. Not only are we having a Prom Alternative here at Midway on April 7th, but 6th Avenue will have one on April 22nd, and Adamsville will have one sometime as well. In the spirit of Christianity, I want us to see why we should take advantage of Prom Alternatives.

You get to be with your Christian friends. If we are to make choices that reflect proper spiritual priorities, choosing to be with our brothers and sisters in Christ shows who is most important in our lives. So many of us complain about the worldly influences we face while at school; does it really make sense to choose to be around them on this night instead of our Christian friends? The Hebrews writer says in 3:13, “but exhort one another daily, while it is called ’Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” A Prom Alternative is one such way to encourage fellow Christians.

You get to be around morally wholesome activities. You can come to the Prom Alternative and not have to worry about people dancing immorally, drinking alcohol, participating in sexual acts, dressing immodestly, or using foul language. Again, if we’re continually fighting temptations as young people, what do we gain from choosing to be somewhere where those actions are allowed and in some cases even encouraged? In Ephesians 5:3, Paul says, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.” The phrase “not even be named among you” is translated by some as “not even be a hint.” At the end of a long list of immoral actions in Romans 1, Paul says the following in verse 32, “knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” Going to a Prom Alternative can help to eliminate the “hints” of immorality in our lives and can keep us from appearing to approve of those who practice immorality. By attending a Prom Alternative with other Christians, you get to do things with them that will help you get to heaven.

Make a visible stand for God. We as young people need all the help we can get if we are to bring our fellow classmates to Christ. Making stands when it seems that “everyone else” is doing something sets a strong example for other Christians as well as those who aren’t Christians. I have a friend who went to a fairly large high school who did not go to his Junior or Senior Prom. During his Junior year, he had to respond to the questions: “Who are you going to Prom with?”, “Where are you eating for Prom?”, and “Why aren’t you going to Prom?” He never felt as though he answered the questions well; he always stuttered out something like “I don’t believe in dancing” or “It’s a religious thing.” As his Senior Prom approached, he made up his mind he was going to be more prepared to answer questions and would stand up for his faith in God. Much to his surprise, none of his friends and classmates asked him about the upcoming Prom. They already knew where he stood and they already knew the decision he was going to make. Isn’t that a true example of “letting our lights shine” (Matt. 5:16)? If you use opportunities like Prom to make a stand for what’s right, others will notice—and believe it or not, that’s a good thing.

Exercise your opportunity to make your own decisions. One of the things that bugs me most about the Prom is the pressure we feel as young people to go. Contrary to what other 17 and 18 year olds think, you don’t have to go to Prom to be popular, loved, or somebody’s friend. You, as a young person, have the right to make your own decisions. You can make those decisions, remain true to yourself and to your God, and still be liked by your close friends. If you choose to go to a Prom Alternative, you make the choice to do what’s right and to be your own individual. In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” It’s important that we make the best decisions for us...today. Stand up for what’s right and make your own decision...we’d love for you to join us at our Prom Alternative or another in the area.

God bless as we stand up for Him.