Weekly Devotional: Hollywood

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. (Titus 2:11)

The glitz and the glamor of Hollywood are iconic, especially the 1950s versions with black and white television, women wearing fur coats and men dressed to the nines. Hollywood is now filled with homelessness, poverty and scandal. Take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard and you’ll see that it’s not the fancy scene you see on TV. It’s a broken city.

But no place is without a glimmer of light. It is said that darkness doesn’t exist, but darkness is simply the absence of light. The darkness and brokenness of our media stemming from Hollywood is not without light. There is a flicker of hope, the hidden chance of redemption slowly emerging for this city and for this industry.

“God’s Not Dead,” “Exodus,” “Noah,” “Heaven’s for Real,” “The Song,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “The Nativity” and “The Passion of the Christ” are just a few examples of movies that are attempting to redeem the film industry. Now, the biblical accuracy within these films may be hit or miss, but it is a step forward.

Hollywood producers, actors and directors are taking steps forward in making movies available with a faith-driven message. These people are taking positive steps to show their faith in the marketplace and bring the message of redemption to their field.

Redemption

All it takes for redemption is the message of grace. We aren’t all going to be pastors, missionaries or work directly in the field of ministry. Most of us are going to be doctors, teachers or engineers. But our ministry for Jesus doesn’t only go from 9-5, Monday through Friday. The majority of us are going into a secular workplace. But what does that mean for our faith? What does that look like?

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words”- St. Francis of Assisi

This quote from Saint Francis is one of such strength and power. Especially within our work place, our faith doesn’t always hinge on our words; it is lasting on our actions.  Verse 12 in Titus says that the grace of God teaches us to say no to worldly passions. When we say no to ungodliness and we turn toward fully accepting God’s grace, then we are able to do what is good. We are able to give God glory through our actions no matter where we are.

Let the lesson of redemption in Hollywood be a lesson to all of us. As we go forth in the marketplace, in our jobs, in our careers, with our families and with our communities, we have to remind ourselves to be reflective of the hope that is in Christ Jesus. No place, industry, community or person is beyond receiving grace.

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21)