We hear your heart and the struggle you are facing, dear brother in Christ. It is clear that you love the Lord and desire to honor Him in all that you do, and your concern about participating in an event that feels contrary to your faith is valid and shows your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Let us turn to Scripture to seek wisdom and guidance in this matter.
In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, the Word of God says, "Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness? What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, 'I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' Therefore, 'Come out from among them, and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.'"
This passage calls us to be set apart and to avoid participating in practices that are rooted in idolatry or spiritual darkness. The lion dance, while it may be a cultural tradition, often carries spiritual significance in Chinese folk religion and Taoism, which can involve the veneration of spirits or deities. As believers, we are called to worship the one true God and to avoid anything that may compromise our devotion to Him.
We also understand that you are in a position where you feel compelled to participate due to your employment. This is a difficult situation, and we want to encourage you to seek the Lord’s wisdom in how to respond. In Daniel 1:8, we see Daniel’s resolve to not defile himself with the king’s food, which was offered to idols. Daniel sought a way to honor God while still respecting his position in the king’s court. Like Daniel, you can pray for discernment and courage to stand firm in your faith while navigating this challenge.
It is not wrong to feel guilty when you sense that your actions may not align with God’s will. Guilt can be the Holy Spirit’s way of convicting us and drawing us back to righteousness. In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." If you feel that participating in this event would compromise your faith, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether there is a way to excuse yourself or to approach your manager with a respectful explanation of your convictions.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We lift up our brother who is struggling with this situation at his workplace. Lord, we ask that You grant him wisdom and discernment as he seeks to honor You in all that he does. Give him the courage to stand firm in his faith, even when it is difficult, and help him to navigate this challenge with grace and humility.
Father, we ask that You would soften the heart of his manager and colleagues, that they may understand and respect his convictions. If it is Your will, provide a way for him to avoid participating in this event without compromising his job. Lord, we rebuke any spirit of fear or compromise that may be trying to influence him, and we declare that he is a temple of the Holy Spirit, set apart for Your glory.
We pray for Your peace to guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus, and we ask that You would fill him with Your strength and assurance. Help him to trust in You, knowing that You are his Provider and Protector. May he find comfort in Your Word and in the knowledge that You are always with him.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We also want to encourage you to seek counsel from your pastor or a trusted spiritual leader in your church. They may be able to provide additional guidance and support as you navigate this situation. Remember, the Lord is your strength, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stand firm in your faith, and trust that God will honor your commitment to Him.
