“Though it’s my job to be an actor, I have given my life to God. I am very comfortable and firm in that, but I still have to be on this [TV] show. It’s the number one [rated] comedy, but it’s very inappropriate and the themes are very inappropriate. I have to be this person I am not.”
When an actor said those words in 2012, they ignited a firestorm of well-publicized contrasting opinions. But I’m sure many believers in Jesus can relate. For we too can feel compelled to act in ways that don’t reflect our faith.
As Paul wrote to members of the young church at Colossae, he implored them to live out their “new life with Christ” (Colossians 3:1). Instead of acting like the world, Paul told them to “think about the things of heaven” (Colossians 3:2). Then, to make his countercultural teaching clear, he contrasted two “puts”:
• “Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you” (Colossians 3:5). Paul listed a number of ways believers could wrongly follow the lead of the world—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, idolatry, anger, rage, malice, slander, bad language, lying (Colossians 3:5-9). These things, he wrote, all reflect the “old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds” (Colossians 3:9).
• “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him” (Colossians 3:10). The apostle wrote that true believers should reflect holiness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, thankfulness (Colossians 3:12-15). These things mark those who are surrendered to God.
Yes, we can be tempted to act in ways that go against our “new life” found in Jesus (Colossians 3:11). But as we “put to” and “put on,” we live out a real faith that puts Christ first!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 24:1-27
More:
Read what Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:22-24 and consider who helps us “put to” and “put on.”
Next:
What things do you need to put to death in your life? As you strive to put on your new nature, how can you experience the Holy Spirit’s transforming power?
BearPair on January 13, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Good thoughts Tom… with the Holy Spirit’s working from the inside, the new nature becomes a reflection of His “life.”
tom felten on January 14, 2014 at 8:59 am
BearPair, I’m reminded of what Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
roxanne robbins on January 14, 2014 at 11:43 am
Tom, what a strong post. Thank you. I remember when the actor made those comments. My understanding is that he was contractually bound to the show he had signed onto at a young age. As he grew in maturity and faith he became more aware of what the show’s content represented but was legally obligated to continue pressing forward. May the Lord strengthen this young man and give him wisdom each day as he strives to live out his faith in that environment.
On a personal basis, the verses you shared are so poignant. I so need to mediate on Scripture such as this that emphasizes we are to live according to the new nature we have through Christ. Thanks for the good exhortation.
sheridan voysey on January 15, 2014 at 3:54 am
My thoughts exactly, Roxanne. It is very difficult to be a Christian in the creative arts – where Christians are just so needed – given the fact actors (in this situation) work with another’s material and not their own. The Christian actors I’ve known who have had the most impact in this regard have chosen their projects wisely, played them with excellence, but left a real impact to cast and crew by living out the values Tom has explored here. But it’s a tough road.
Thanks Tom for the personal reminder today to let Christ live his life through me.
mike wittmer on January 15, 2014 at 9:16 am
Another issue that plays havoc on an actor’s moral formation is that he or she is continually transforming himself or herself into another person. After awhile, some lose their bearings and aren’t quite sure who they are any more. I’m thankful for the Christians we have in the movie and TV business, and we should prayerfully remember the unique temptations they face.
tom felten on January 15, 2014 at 9:34 am
Amen, Mike. Believers in Jesus are doing some amazing things in the arts. May we support them in prayer and celebrate the excellence and beauty they’re bringing to the world.