chris_h
August 27th, 2004, 04:04 PM
Survival Requirements for a Christian in Hollywood
I am often asked how I maintain my Christian convictions while working in Hollywood and if could offer any advice for aspiring Christian actors.
My personal experience has taught me that although Hollywood can be a very exciting place to be, it is full of trappings that can take any person of substance and deceive, discourage, and destroy them and their families (without the wisdom and power of Christ). The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies and the god of this world, and when you make a break for Hollywood, you're entering his turf. If you're a Christian out to utilize a Hollywood career to influence the world for Christ, you can bet Satan will fire his darts and attempt to take you down.
I have worked with many child actors. While some have fared alright, many of them are not doing well today. I have seen Hollywood destroy the youth and innocence of children and twist the minds of its hopeful victims by flattering them, and promising them fame and fortune. But in the end they are used up, tossed aside, and then left to fend for themselves in drug rehabs, clinics for eating disorders, and depression therapy sessions. Many parents are blinded to this trap because they see "golden opportunities" for their children, thinking of college education funds and "once in a lifetime opportunities." But it is true that not everything that sparkles is gold. Think of the tabloid tragedy stories you've read about so many child stars.
Adults are not immune to the trappings of Hollywood. Thousands come here every year looking for their big break. They are willing to work their fingers to the bone, use their bodies to get ahead, and even sell their souls to get their foot in the door. How many celebrities have named the name of Christ, and yet are walking billboards for sin. I can think of several.
My advice to anyone who is considering a career in Hollywood is to take a serious inventory of your motives for coming here. What it is you're really looking to accomplish? Are you sure God is leading you here or could it be the lure of the glamorous life? Are you dreams to come here to make much of Jesus Christ, or make much of yourself "for His sake?" How will you keep on the full armor of God when Hollywood requires you take off your clothes? How will you sleep with someone in the name of "artistic expression" and justify it to yourself, your family, and the Lord? The reason I ask is because you need to think these decisions through before you are faced with them at a time when you can't pay your rent. It's a big decision. Get godly counsel from those you trust and respect. Ask them how they feel about you moving to Hollywood and commit yourself to the Lord.
I am grateful to be a Christian in Hollywood. God is doing great things here. If you come to the conclusion that God is giving you the green light to come here and throw yourself into the media machine to make a difference in the world, you may want to cut and paste this scripture verse to your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder of the requirements to survive as a Christian in Hollywood.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching whereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak... Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." (Ephesians 6:10-24) High-Speed Connection Link (http://www.wayofthemaster.com/wotm_flash.html?link=1&goto=om_kirkscolumn.swf) (requires Flash)
Dial-up Connection Link (http://www.wayofthemaster.com/columnkirk.shtml) (does not require Flash)
I am often asked how I maintain my Christian convictions while working in Hollywood and if could offer any advice for aspiring Christian actors.
My personal experience has taught me that although Hollywood can be a very exciting place to be, it is full of trappings that can take any person of substance and deceive, discourage, and destroy them and their families (without the wisdom and power of Christ). The Bible tells us that Satan is the father of lies and the god of this world, and when you make a break for Hollywood, you're entering his turf. If you're a Christian out to utilize a Hollywood career to influence the world for Christ, you can bet Satan will fire his darts and attempt to take you down.
I have worked with many child actors. While some have fared alright, many of them are not doing well today. I have seen Hollywood destroy the youth and innocence of children and twist the minds of its hopeful victims by flattering them, and promising them fame and fortune. But in the end they are used up, tossed aside, and then left to fend for themselves in drug rehabs, clinics for eating disorders, and depression therapy sessions. Many parents are blinded to this trap because they see "golden opportunities" for their children, thinking of college education funds and "once in a lifetime opportunities." But it is true that not everything that sparkles is gold. Think of the tabloid tragedy stories you've read about so many child stars.
Adults are not immune to the trappings of Hollywood. Thousands come here every year looking for their big break. They are willing to work their fingers to the bone, use their bodies to get ahead, and even sell their souls to get their foot in the door. How many celebrities have named the name of Christ, and yet are walking billboards for sin. I can think of several.
My advice to anyone who is considering a career in Hollywood is to take a serious inventory of your motives for coming here. What it is you're really looking to accomplish? Are you sure God is leading you here or could it be the lure of the glamorous life? Are you dreams to come here to make much of Jesus Christ, or make much of yourself "for His sake?" How will you keep on the full armor of God when Hollywood requires you take off your clothes? How will you sleep with someone in the name of "artistic expression" and justify it to yourself, your family, and the Lord? The reason I ask is because you need to think these decisions through before you are faced with them at a time when you can't pay your rent. It's a big decision. Get godly counsel from those you trust and respect. Ask them how they feel about you moving to Hollywood and commit yourself to the Lord.
I am grateful to be a Christian in Hollywood. God is doing great things here. If you come to the conclusion that God is giving you the green light to come here and throw yourself into the media machine to make a difference in the world, you may want to cut and paste this scripture verse to your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder of the requirements to survive as a Christian in Hollywood.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching whereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak... Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." (Ephesians 6:10-24) High-Speed Connection Link (http://www.wayofthemaster.com/wotm_flash.html?link=1&goto=om_kirkscolumn.swf) (requires Flash)
Dial-up Connection Link (http://www.wayofthemaster.com/columnkirk.shtml) (does not require Flash)