As a Christian in the entertainment business, it can be difficult to swim in the current yet against the immoral tides of our society and culture. My goal is to be in the world but hopefully not of it, and to be a light for Christ in the best ways I can. Although we all make mistakes and sometimes have regrets, it is important to make firm decisions about where we are headed.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about the entertainment industry and myself while in Hollywood:
I. Why making good music choices is so important
As a musician and singer, I try to stay away from vulgarity, cursing, swearing or promoting profanity. Even listening to some music makes me feel sick or saddened because of the path of our culture and society. Not all the music on radio is bad, but some of the stations I used to enjoy listening to have changed.
What we listen to has power. What we say has power. Regardless of whether you think a song is good or bad, there is a spirit behind it. The spirits behind the music are either worldly or of God. It doesn’t mean you can’t listen to secular music at all, but it is important to discern what you put in your mind as a believer.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).
The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21).
I hope to voice life, hope, love, faith and purity in my music. Many artists on the radio today promote love, heartbreak, living it up, party like a star and so forth. Many songs seem don’t seem bad because of the cheerful melody or beat, but that doesn’t mean they’re right.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death (Proverbs 16:25).
2. You have to “make it or break it” in TV and film
I have had to turn down roles in some television shows I morally didn’t agree with, and if you’re interested in being in the industry as a Christian, you probably will have to do so as well. This can be hard–not only do you lose out on an opportunity, but also you are sacrificing a job. But in the end, you either are making good choices or breaking your standards.
If you choose to make a choice for God, He is always faithful. He always provides another, more suitable job! He loves his children and will provide for you! If you honor Him, He will honor you. Don’t worry about man’s opinion, worry about God’s!
It is better to take refuge in the Lord then to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord then to trust in princes (Psalm 118:8-9).
When I have turned down a job, it was because I felt in my spirit something wasn’t right or wasn’t the direction God wanted me to go. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us…thank you Lord! I am so happy we have him as our GPS and road map to lead us on the right path! This can pertain to any choice, decision or offer in your life. Jesus is our shepherd and we listen to His voice for guidance.
My sheep listen to my voice: I know them and they follow me (John 10:27).
The entertainment industry can be a dark place; sometimes you can be projected the wrong way or in a negative light you didn’t intend. Media can be manipulated, altered, changed. As Nicole mentions, even Photoshop is deceitful. So choose your jobs wisely.
If you are in the music or entertainment business, make sure to run projects by your parents, pastors and well-respected friends. Just because you get an opportunity for something doesn’t mean it is always right or good for you. Make sure to ask and pray for wisdom
3. Working for the Lord!
Projects I am drawn to now are more ministry-oriented. I want to further God’s Kingdom, do mission assignments and evangelistic outreaches, and I am drawn to the Christian music industry and helping to further the truth in love. I believe this generation has the power to change our nation for the better and why not use media to do just that?! Let us pray for the media to be used for God’s glory!
Girls, do you want to work in the entertainment industry?
