Whether you’re a fan of theater shows, soaps or dramas, we can all appreciate the talent of a great actor and how they are able to transport us from where we are, into the world they are creating. Before we get to see the end product, the actors have to go through three stages and in this post I am going to show you how we can learn from these steps to carry out God’s work on this beautiful stage we call life!
1. The Table Read
Before an actor can jump in front of a camera or an audience they have to take things back to basics and attend what’s called a Table Read. This is a session hosted by the people in charge of the film or production. It is an opportunity for the actors and actresses to read over the script together to get a better idea of the synopsis, their characters and the relationships they have within the story.
Christians can compare this time spent pouring over a script and taking in all the details to reading the Word of God. Sitting in a Table Read resembles attending Church or House Groups with fellow believers where you are getting teaching from those with God given authority and like it says in Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I will be in the midst of them” – God is our Director, Producer and Scriptwriter!
2.Rehearsals commence
When on set or in the studio the script takes on a whole new dimension! The actors now have the opportunity to interact tangibly with each other and can react to the physical characteristics and emotive relationships each character has.
This time of rehearsing with other characters and getting comfortable with our own characters can be compared to time spent with Christian friends or even time spent alone with God. Spending time with others, sharing thoughts and getting to know one and other can really help build our faith and encourage us to stay the path!
3. Show time!
Once the rehearsal stage is over it’s time to share the show with the world. Many actors, in order to come across convincing on the stage or screen fully immerse themselves in the character they will be playing, committing wholeheartedly to the mannerisms, thought processes and attitudes of the role. Halle Berry even opted not to bathe for two whole weeks to get her first movie role!
As Christians, we are called to make sure our personality traits look like Jesus (luckily I am pretty sure he washed regularly!) When God and other people look at us, They should see Him reflected.
In 1 Peter 2: 21 it says;
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
The thing is, it’s great to be able to memorise scriptures, attend church services or host a house group, but if your lifestyle doesn’t embody the ways of our saviour and show people Jesus, then it’s all in vain. If we don’t ”act out” our faith with the people around us then we aren’t fulfilling Gods purpose for our lives.
If your friend is struggling to pay for her phone bill, instead of leaving it at a prayer for her, offer her some money to help cover it. If one of your peers or colleagues is having a rough time, share some encouragement with them instead of watching them suffer. Showing believers and non-believers alike God’s love and compassion is one of the best ways to mirror Jesus in our lives.
There’s a song by Kirk Franklin called ‘The Last Jesus’ which I urge you to listen to, and remember, just like actors, knowing the script back to front is impressive but putting it into action is imperative!
