I recently listened to an interview with husband and wife, Mark Burnett and Roma Downey. If you don’t know those names, Mark Burnett is one of the most influential TV and Movie producers in Hollywood; producer of Survivor, the Apprentice, Shark Tank, the Voice, and many other tremendously successful productions. Roma Downey is an actress, producer and author, whom you may remember as the angel character “Monica” in the TV show Touched by an Angel.
Why, you may ask, is this relevant to a Christian devotional message? These people are also faithful and unashamed Christians, in a town and industry not known to be very accommodating to Christians. Together they have also produced the incredibly successful TV series The Bible, The movie Son of God, and the upcoming series AD about the early Christian Church. Take a minute to read more about them on Wikipedia.
Although they are not perfect, and have had their struggles, like all of us, their story is a great example for Christians in two ways. First, as Paul writes in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation.” What a great example these people are for those who are reluctant to live their Christian life openly, fearing it is not “cool.” Secondly, in Psalm 37:4 David writes, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” These people are bringing glory to God and sharing the story of Jesus Christ within their chosen craft and calling, and the Lord has blessed them tremendously.
Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us examples of people like these and many others in our lives, who actively live as Christians. Thank you for blessing them so they can be blessings to us. Help us learn to do the same. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Examples are important. In first grade as well as in the board room. In essence , thru-out life. good Christian Examples give sinners such as myself, a goal, perhaps inspiration is a better word. when. I think of such; my cousin John pops in my head often. The list of accolades John has gathered for his earthly ” bulletin-board” , don’t seem to mean much to him. for crying – out -loud , he’s a Col in the Airforce, a awesome jet jockey ,pulling while shots in a F-16. he has been blessed with an absolutely beautiful wife and family…..house .homes,cars ect..
However , despite this “earthly treasure” if you really know John, you’ll quickly realize that these gifts/ blessings aren’t all that important to him. (with the exception of his wife and family) For me at least, I see the real “cool” stuf in Johns life is: salvation, forgiveness of sins and living a God fearing life.
Unlike myself ( my legend in my own mind disease) I feel John has simple yet strong earthly goals. That’s not to say he doesn’t work his tail off
or look for new ideas and ways to grow his principles…they just don’t seem as important as they are to Many of Gods children. No Ferrari, no Plane no house in Monacco or even a Harley. Johns waiting for the big prize, it seems to me. Heaven.
Thankfully, I was blessed with good examples. Soli Deo Gloria! Happy Easter!