The Straight Up Word: When Up Is Up (& When It's Not)

Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the Law and Commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.'

Exodus 24:12 (NKJV)

Therefore you shall lay up these Words of Mine in your heart and in your soul...

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NKJV)

Uphold me according to Your Word, that I may live.

Psalm 119:116 (NKJV)

When is up truly up? When God is there.

When is up NOT up? When God is NOT there. That’s when life becomes a confusing mess.

The result?

People get down and dirty: not as farmers, but as farm animals: mucking around, seeking satisfaction.

How does it happen?

'Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!' (Isaiah 5:20).

Consequentially:

  • When vampires become heroes to children,

  • When seducers become celebrities,

  • When media glamorizes evil,

  • When bad actors seem like they’re having a blast,

  • When good actors stay away from the field…

Kids seeking leaders follow what they see!

Consequently, they lose their innocence--and sometimes, their lives.

  • Instant communication multiplies this cause and effect by countless millions.

  • Modern man's worst natural disasters can’t compare to this new form of murder.

  • Since big networks and streaming services play roles in this ongoing tragedy,

  • Since sensationalism begets profit, few choose to limit it or report it.

Now consider this:

Our King’s first disciples were described as… those ‘Who have turned the world upside down' (Acts 17:6). Because the field (Earth) was ridden with weeds. So Jesus brought a new team to the field.

Their job?

To break up the weed-ridden soil--and grow a new crop. The Truth was rising!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: God calls you to rise and shine for him now– as GOOD EXAMPLES! You stand up for those unable to stand.

  • To you, lost sheep (eager fans) will look up.

  • Through you, they WILL stand. 'For the Lord is able to make them stand' (Romans 14:4).

That's when up is up.

The Straight Up Word: When Up Is Up And When It's Not (Part 6)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban