I was reading in 1^st Peter chapter four last night and came across a section that spoke to me about our craft of film making. I thought I'd share it with you because we often don't realize just how much impact we as filmmakers have over our audience.

The medium of film is such a powerful tool for controlling the emotions and even the thought processes of those who watch. If we are not putting God into each and every component of our film, what agenda are we pushing?

Verse 10 says,

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

God has given us talents to create films. We need to use those gifts, to foster them. We need to build them into something that will produce the quality that pushes people past noticing the medium and get them to notice the story, and ultimately, the message. But, we must do it faithfully, demonstrating grace in both the final product and to those we work with during production.

Verse 11 starts,

"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God..."

Wow! We as disciples of Christ must speak as if we are speaking the words of God! How does that impact your project? How does it impact your story? How does it change the way you want your characters to act? What message are you trying to portray?

Verse 11 continues...

"...If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

When we make Christian films, we are serving God. Therefore, we should do it with the strength that God provides. His power, strength, mercy and compassion should all be reflected in how we work so that Christ is glorified.

Step back from your production for just a moment and consider how your attitude and speech may be received. Are you honoring God with your voice? With your actions? Your crew is seeing Jesus when they see you... are you making a good impression?

How about your story? Is it honoring God... are His words coming through in the message... in the dialog... in the acting?

If you haven't done so already, recommit your project to the Lord. Make sure it and you are serving Him as you should.

God bless your productions!

Dave