Avoid Dance Troupe “Aches” by Learning from Achan’s Mistakes

Text: Joshua Chapter 7
After the Israelites defeated Jericho in Chapter 6, the final verse reads, “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” In the next Chapter, Joshua now leads his troupes to another battle. A small group of Joshua’s men were surprisingly defeated in battle against Ai. Joshua and his leaders went to the Lord in prayer to seek God’s direction as to why the defeat had occurred? The Lord told Joshua “Stand Up! What are you doing down on your face? Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant which I commanded them to keep”. God directed Joshua to find the sin by separating tribes, then clans, and finally, family by family. God tells Joshua in verse 12 “I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”

After defeating Jericho, God had specifically told the Joshua’s army to destroy everything. Achan disobeyed and kept some of the “devoted things” from the last battle buried under his tent. Achan confesses to Joshua that he coveted (blameworthy desire for that which is another's) the “devoted things” — a beautiful robe (representing power & authority), gold & silver (representing wealth). Joshua even gave the entire army notice the night before the search, and yet Achan chose to keep the devoted items buried under his tent. Achan did not take Joshua’s words seriously.

As dancers, what can we learn from Achan? As dance artists, we will always find ourselves working with groups where we rely on one another. God is not looking for prima donnas. Following instructions and choreography is essential in keeping a dance group strong and effective — both on and off stage. When a dance team experiences victory, each dancer, parent, and staff member must guard his/her heart and actions. All glory must return immediately back unto the Lord. Keeping the glory or credit for success hidden in the tents of our hearts will insure defeat around the corner. As the story of Achan proves, even one individual’s disobedience will hurt the entire group.

As new dance years begin and new dance teams form, I challenge you to search your heart. Are you returning all the glory to Jesus Christ for your past successes? God created the fine arts to be devoted the Lord. When we take for ourselves what is designed to be devoted the Lord, God then renames it as a “devotion to destruction” (verse 12). Guard your heart and be a blessing to your group. Strive to keep an attitude of servant hood versus star dome. Parents — Don’t be so ambitious or fearful about your dancer’s future that you lose focus. When God opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. (Isaiah 22:22) Our greatest attempts to promote our children fade in the abilities of their Heavenly Father. Allow Him to work in their behalf in His timing.

Dance leaders — be attentive to your group and continually give God the glory. When you sense trouble in the group, seek God’s voice in prayer. After this, have the courage to expose the problem and keep your group strong. Your group depends on you to oversee and keep high standards. And why should we all strive for this higher calling in the arts? Joshua states it best in verse 9, “What then will you do, Lord, for your great name?” Throughout Joshua’s comments, he frequently shows his concern about representing the name of the Lord well. This should be our unifying goal. Jesus said, “When I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32.