Continue with Careful Planning and Balance

Since the Bible record of weddings does not stress music and dancing, should this not guide a couple who plan a wedding that will honor Jehovah?  Yet, in preparation for several recent weddings in southern Africa, Christian youths who were chose to form part of the bridal party spent  long hours practicing complicated dance steps. For months an inordinate amount of their time was used in this way.  But Christians need to 'buy out the time'   for 'the more important things," such as evangelizing work, personal study, and attending Christian meetings. -Ephesians 5:16; Philippians 1:10.

From the amount of wine Jesus provided, it appears that the wedding in Cana was a large elaborate one.  However, we can be sure that the guests did not abuse alcohol as was the case at certain Jewish weddings. (John 2:10) How can we  be sure of this?  Because the Lord Jesus Christ was in attendance.  Of all men, Jesus would have been the most careful to obey God's command regarding bad association: "Do not come to be among heavy drinkers of wine." -Proverbs 23:20.

Therefore, if a couple decide to have wine or other alcoholic beverages served at their wedding, they should arrange for this to be done under the strict control of responsible individuals.  And if they decide to have music, they should select suitable melodies and have a responsible person monitoring the volume.  Guests should not be allowed to take over and introduce questionable music or raise the volume to unreasonable levels.  If there is to be dancing, it can be introduced in a dignified  and low-key way.  If unbelieving relatives or immature Christians use vulgar or sensuous dance movements, the bridegroom might have to change the type of music or tactfully request that the dancing cease.  Otherwise the wedding could deteriorate into a riotous affair and cause stumbling. -Romans 14:21.

Next time: Conclusion of Careful Planning and Balance

The Watchtower, 2000