The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World by Gabe Lyons

Author:Gabe Lyons
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Christian
ISBN: 9780385529853
Published: 2012-03-13T00:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

Grounded, Not Distracted

JASON EPITOMIZED A CULTURE-ENGAGING CHRISTIAN. LIKE A poster child for the forward-thinking believer we’ve been discussing, he dreamed of taking the Gospel inside the Hollywood film industry. Rather than wear the title of minister or evangelist, he planned to become an influential filmmaker. He even raised money, like a missionary, from friends and his local church to support his journey through film school—not just any film school, but the one at the University of Southern California, well known for its reputation of placing graduates at the highest levels in the entertainment industry. Jason knew God wanted him there, so he and his family waved good-bye to Fayetteville, Arkansas, and headed west.

Jason quickly garnered success at USC and he made incredible connections in the film industry while there. After two years of education, and a healthy dose of exposure to what was possible in the industry, Jason began to feel confident about his future.

As part of his strategy, Jason immersed himself in the Hollywood lifestyle, learning from directors, producers, and actors throughout the exclusive Beverly Hills community. His insider status gained him unhampered access to major social events in the City of Angels, where he rubbed elbows with the industry’s movers and shakers. Needless to say, this type of “ministry” didn’t seem to bother Jason much. The historic mansions, manicured lawns, boutique swimming pools, and personal drivers were a far cry from the environment of the typical frontline mission field.

All of this would have been just fine, except for one sneaky little omission from Jason’s master plan: Christian discipline. I’m not talking about an inner moral will, or a code of religious propriety. I’m referring to the practices or disciplines that enhance and protect one’s growing, authentic relationship with Christ.

On each rung of the Hollywood ladder, Jason had made small spiritual compromises: no consistent time listening and talking to God; no connection to the community of faith; no time searching the Scripture for God’s wisdom; and no priority to protect his family. His heart and his passions were intact. But his plan lacked the structure that would have kept everything functioning. Jason was sort of like a house with no framing. And with less and less to hold up the Sheetrock and paint, Jason began to crumble.

Meanwhile, his wife, Cynthia, was trying to hold it all together. She had faithfully followed Jason’s visions to become a leader in the film industry, but it wasn’t without consequence. They had no extended family close by and very few Christian friends to offer support. And she could sense that Jason was beginning to drift. She would see it in his eyes and in the tiny indulgences that used to be off-limits. He began to nudge discernment aside to accommodate new friendships, and late nights became a venue for his changing cultural tastes. Jason began to justify any freedom he wanted in the name of full cultural exposure.

The idea of being a cultural missionary had paid his way through school, but now he was drifting in a different direction.

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