Jesus on a Movie Set

Photo credit: Richard Revel via pexels.com

I need to warn you, we use a lot of ’blue language’ on set.”

I shrugged. “I won’t judge you for using it if you won’t judge me for not.”

The director smiled.

Thus was the acknowledgment of mutual respect and freedom that launched me into the world of independent film.

For my Christian friends, I feel I must clarify, this was a “secular” independent film. There are Christian films being made in the area, that’s just not the plot God dropped me in.

It’s been a fun, life-giving, mind-expanding few years, and I’ve loved every minute. It’s put me in touch with a wide variety of fun, interesting, intelligent, passionate, hard-working, gifted people…the majority of which do not share my faith.

It’s a fine line to walk and one that, sadly, I’ve had far too little practice in and haven’t always done well. My guiding principle has been that I’m here to love the people God puts in front of me, and let God do the rest. Have I loved these new friends well? Could I love better? And most importantly, are they seeing Jesus in me or just seeing me? 

Which got me to wondering, if Jesus worked on a small, independent film, how would He love people? What would He do? And what would He not do?

Here’s my storyboard:

He would arrive early.

He would do what he was asked to do, without complaining or arguing or even so much as an eye-roll.

He would smile and laugh. A lot. And they wouldn’t be patronizing smirks, but would reach clear into his eyes.

He would be sure everyone else got lunch before he did. He might even bring lunch to a few who couldn’t get a break to eat.  

He would go out of his way to help anyone who needed it, even looking for ways to help. 

He would make a meaningful connection, however brief, with each person he came across. Most would then want to have him over for a fish fry (he might even bring two fish or some bread…).

He would answer any religious questions he was asked in a gentle, honest way.

He would not spark religious debate by turning every conversation into a religious one out of nowhere.

He would not cower, but when yelled at, ignored, dismissed, even abused, he would continue to work hard, forgive, and move on.

And I’m pretty sure “blue language” wouldn’t bother him one little bit. 

#loveinaction #heisnotwhatyouthink #bethelove
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