Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Vlog (01/16/25)
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TITLE: You Are Jesus To A Watching World | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rick Gregory
01/19/25 -
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“The only Jesus they may ever see is you” is a statement attributed to songwriter Gordon Jenson from his 1983 song, “You’re the only Jesus,” which was performed by The Imperials. I’m spitballing a little here, but I’d imagine his thought was that in a world where encounters with Jesus are becoming more and more rare, you are Him to a watching public . . . because He lives in you!
I wonder if we forget this too often. In our highly individualistic society, we think that our lives are our own and that we get to choose “what’s right for me.” I see this played out in people’s lives over and over — even in the Church. Sadly, the Church (especially here in the West), Jesus’ bride, has become a reflection of culture, of society, rather than a reflection of Him. I fear we have fallen prey to the pressures Paul warned the Colossians about, “See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ” (Col 2:8 NASB).
This seems like such a complicated issue. Culture says, “You be you.” “Follow your heart.” “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” But those are lies! Your heart is deceitful - and why should you follow it? (Jer.17:9). Nothing you do “stays” where you did it (2 Chron 16:9a, among others). Someone is always a witness to our choices. It may only be God Himself, but usually, there’s at least one other human individual who knows. The truth is that your life — and my life — are on display every day, all the time. It isn’t complicated at all. Each of us is a living vlog, but one that doesn’t appear on a flat screen after someone clicks “play.” It’s always available, always streaming, always being watched, always being recorded. It doesn’t start in the green room and end at the conclusion of an episode.
“So,” you ask, “what about the script?” There are lots of different scripts we could follow: many that are “according to human tradition” or one that is built upon “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” We don’t get a say about whether our life will be on display, but we do have a choice: which script will I live into as my lifestream plays on?
Have you ever wondered how actors learn a script? Here are just a few of the ways actors get a script down.
They read the whole thing all the way through, at least several times, to get context.
They analyze intentions. They want to know what each character is thinking, intending, and feeling as they participate in the narrative.
They highlight and mark up the script, seeking to capture transitions and nuances of dialogue.
They write out parts they want to log into memory – as they seek to embody the script in the depths of their consciousness, so it comes naturally as they live it before the camera.
They read and repeat the script aloud, training their brains to recognize the rhythms and cadence of the lines.
They rehearse over and over their parts with others until the lines they speak and the actions they perform are as natural as breathing.
Here’s what’s so interesting: to live out a script “according to human tradition” doesn’t take practice. It comes naturally. And here’s what is so stunning: If we don’t take the time to embody the script laid out for us as new creations, we’ll simply live out the script of our old nature. How can we, who have been bought with the price of Jesus' own flesh and blood, not give everything we have to live out the script He's given us?
One of the two scripts will play. Which script do you want for the vlog of your life?
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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