Ten Commandments For Christian Performers, #9, No Glorifying Darkness

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor

Exodus 20:16 (NASB)

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

When bad looks good, and when evil looks fun… media is glorifying darkness– which your Commander-in-Chief clearly hates:/

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).

How does this bad act become “false witness?”

Christians aren’t bearing true witness for Christ. NOTE: This charge doesn’t apply to worldly stars, because they don’t claim to represent Him.

'He who is not with Me is against Me' (Matthew 12:30).

Consider a disturbing fashion trend (re-emerging from the 1990’s). Fashionistas called it ‘HEROIN CHIC.” It shows bony beauties with dark-rimmed eyes…

  • Or films that tease fans with the 'fun' of drugs, violence, lies, and immorality,

  • Or music that maims consciences through the sanctification of misogyny,

  • Or incredibly ‘real’ video games that normalize violence as a sport.

Will impressionable kids will copy them? Tragically, many do… to great harm.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

As Heaven’s citizens (living on Earth), you’re ambassadors for the King of kings. Your top job is to represent Him well– pointing to your home: the Kingdom of God, where 'There is no darkness nor shadow of death' (Job 34:22).

Question:

  • Should you be acting in this mission field, even in mainstream shows and productions?

Obvious Answer:

  • Certainly! God allowed its creation, so His Own performers can rise and shine.

Bottom Line:

In all auditions or potential roles, PRAY! God will lead you. If you feel disquiet in your spirit, say ‘No’ gently (without condemnation)...

  • UNLESS the role teaches a good lesson,

  • UNLESS the dark acts are exposed as wrong,

  • UNLESS the bad guys get their comeuppance,

  • UNLESS in prayer, God gives a thumbs up.

P.S.

Another incredibly troubling way to bear false witness of our Loving King is when Christians (bearing His Name) show HATE:

  • Speaking hateful words and ugly judgments to all the people who don’t (yet) know Him.

  • Since Jesus (the One we’re called to copy) came to love and save (not condemn) the world…

I question whether they’re TRULY Christians.

Ten Commandments Christian For Performers: #9, No Glorifying Darkness

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If anything I write is on point and agrees with His Word, it’s not from me. 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. This series is a re-write of a prior 2011 series.

Carey Arban