Look at 1 Corintians 15:33. How have you seen the truth of this principle confirmed--in your own life, or in the life of someone you know?
Hmmm...I have a hunch that this week's preparation for next Sunday's study has to do with the people you hang with. Just a hunch. At any rate, this verse basically says, "bad company corrupts good character." Can I think of a time where this verse applied to me? Of course! I think we all make mistakes in life and may befriend the "cool kid" in school, even if he/she may not be the best influence; or date the "bad boy" in college. (Luckily, I ended up with one of the good ones :-)
So rather than lament about some of my not-so-great-choices over the years, I think I'll talk about something that I know Ron can get behind: Hollywood. I'm sure you've all heard him at one point or another talk about the craziness of Hollywood, and how movie stars and celebrities are all just a wee bit off their rocker with no regard for marriage, Jesus, or any of those other 'good old fashioned' morals that you and I have. I mean, just look at the news, and everyday it's filled with headlines of "So-and-so cheats on so-and-so" or "Celebrity fill-in-the-blank has checked into rehab for the five millionth time." It really is nuts. But, I can't imagine that all of these celebrities or stars were BORN this crazy, right? Some of them had to start out normal, right?
So, what causes the decline? It's gotta be bad company, right? It's the influence of Hollywood over time. And I'm sure it's a vicious cycle - it pulls you in and doesn't let you go. And once you're in, your attitude changes, your character changes, and you become the corruptor. Now, I'll add a disclaimer and say that I'm sure not everyone in Hollywood is crazy. There are probably a few normal ones here and there that we don't hear about in the news. But from my observation, Hollywood is full of bad company. And it's sad to me. I see young starlets who may truly have a God-given gift for acting or singing, but they throw it away because of their poor choices. And they have no parental support that can help guide them in the right direction. It really breaks my heart.
But luckily, there are guys like Erwin McManus, who are strong Christians that immerse themselves in this industry. Ron and I had the privelege of hearing this guy speak at the Global Leadership Summit this year. Guys like him are making a difference. Replacing bad company with good company. Can you think of anyone else in our pop culture today that is going against the grain and standing strong for their beliefs? That is not allowing the influence of Hollywood or the media to change their character?
Ron, grab a barf bag, but we both thought of Tim Tebow. He's done little hide that he loves Jesus and follows Jesus. It's not quite Hollywood, but very similar, I think.
ReplyDeleteWe also thought of Kirk Cameron. He's recently resurfaced with Fireproof and Courageous, but has taken a great stand to fight for marriage and fatherhood in the name of Jesus.
I often wonder, if I had the same fame and/or money, would I do something this outspoken to showcase my faith, knowing that everything I did would wind up on the cover of a magazine or takled about in the gossip shows?
I don't know...
Scott and I thought of Ron brown.. Not exactly Hollywood but he is someone who has always made his faith in Jesus known in the public. He
ReplyDeleteIs the good influence through the swearing and yelling done by other coaches. After every game he prays and the last few games their prayer on the field has been televised. Vp's good point... I am not sure I would be strong enough to showcase my faith either. Makes me realize how much growing I have to do...