Salt and Light

Recently, ACU asked me to write the cover article for their magazine called the "WC" (wildcat). In this edition there were interviews with many ACU alums who are working in the entertainment industry. They asked me to write a cover article that would lay the foundation for that particular issue. Here was my article...

What does it mean to be salt and light? 

Jesus admonished his followers to be seasoning in the world...to bring light to dark places. In one of my first professional jobs as a singer on Norwegian Cruise Line, I had many conversations with people about faith and God. I noticed that the petty things we argue about in churches really mean nothing to people outside those walls. What a brilliant strategy of the enemy to get us so distracted by inward arguments that we miss the forest for the trees. 


Some of us are quick to dismiss the arts because we see the morals (or lack thereof) that seem to surround the entertainment industry. And so, we put our salt back in the box and tuck our light into a safe place just in case it might get snuffed out. (I seem to recall a certain parable of the talents that has something to say about this.) 


God has given you certain gifts and abilities out of His vast creative wealth. He is the ultimate artist, producer, songwriter and creative genius. The world wants to engage in the arts and it's one of the main intersections in our culture. Why in the world would we withhold our part in that conversation? 
I don't mean just getting into the arts to make "Christian" movies or music or anything like that. (The word "Christian" should be a noun more than a verb anyway.) 


Be an artist who believes in Jesus and make good art. Be a singer who believes in Jesus and make good music. Be a filmmaker who believes in Jesus and make movies that reflect culture and speak into it. Our best work is being seasoning. Someone out there is going to stand up and decide to try their hand at the entertainment industry. Why not you? What will stop you? Hone your craft, put yourself in places where you will be challenged, be fearless. Someone will. It could be YOU! Above all, keep the conversations open about faith and life. You'll be amazed the impact you'll have just by being a solid friend.


Whether your talent lies in the arts, sciences, or something else, may you be inspired to season your world as you read these stories of Christians who are being salt and light in the entertainment industry.