Fulfilled by the Entertainment Industry?
The entertainment industry is a mess, but that doesn't stop Christians from entering into it. This past Monday I had the opportunity, along with some other lucky students, to sit down with industry professional John Shepard (look him up) and ask questions and get some advice. Here is what I learned:
Ships are not made to sit at port but are made to be sent out to sea. We are vessels of God’s kingdom like ships are vessels of whatever they hold. We do not do much good in furthering the kingdom of God if we stay in our comfort zones. In film, there is a difference between making a movie for God and about God. As a Christian film-maker we cannot be content in making movies about God, but instead we have to be a voice in films that are made for God. Being the only Christian on a secular film with a bunch of non-Christians, is like being a boat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it could be terrifying. But being an example of Christ’s love, bringing your knowledge and light to that set is so valuable. Maybe you are supposed to speak into the ear of someone with a bigger name. It is important to learn, appreciate, and accept the views of those in charge on set. Earn their trust and respect, then you can start talking about your faith, or even your basic film input.
There is a difference between busy and hurry. Shepard said, “hurry is the enemy of true devotion”. This phrase can be transferred to production, school, life, and our relationship with Christ. This is a messy industry and it is important to have a firm foundation rooted in Christ. If my identity is found in success or fame or validation from other people this industry will destroy me, but if I can keep my identity rooted in Christ nothing else matters. Then I just have to be really good at what I do, always be prepared, and act according to God’s plan and timing. Everything is timing. It is not my timing or my plan, but it is God's. If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.
5 Steps to determine if you take a Job in Hollywood
1. Does the role/job make me violate scripture
2. Does it make a brother or sister stumble
(If a kid from youth group sees me portraying this part will it cause them to think it is okay for them to do something similar, will this cause problems?)
3. Is there an opportunity to witness
4. There is wisdom in council
(When trying to decide if a role is good to take, consult mentors, small group leaders, trusted friends and family members with faith.)
5. Go according to the light you've been shown
(My faith is a personal relationship with Jesus, what God has shown me and my experiences will determine what I think is an appropriate role to take.)
To answer these 5 questions you have to pray. It is all prayer, and talking with God. After all five steps and lots of prayer, then you answer one final question: Are you being fulfilled?
What if you applied these 5 steps to decisions you make in your life? I challenge you to look at how you are running your life and ask yourself if you are being fulfilled.
Be you
~ Rachel
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