So, a couple weeks ago I turned down an audition for the lead role in a 10 million dollar budget film, yes 10 MILLION DOLLARS. In about this same span of time I turned down two other auditions for projects, I know you’re probably thinking “what kind of actor turns down jobs? What kind of person turns down a LEAD role in MILLION dollar budget film?!” If I were you, I’d be asking the same question…the answer is simple, the common denominator in all of these projects is that the story or the character I’d be portraying would not be pleasing to God, this isn’t the first time I’ve turned things down and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE acting and I’ve been so grateful to be having many more opportunities coming in that I’m very excited about and am looking forward to much, much more in the future, however, if it’s not something that would give God glory I want no part in it. This outlook is not only limited to my acting but to every part of my life and that’s what I wanted to write about today.

When you’re really in love with someone you would never want to do anything to hurt them, right? It’s the same in our relationship with God, the Bible makes it very clear what is right or wrong and if you’re not sure on something (because the Bible doesn’t specifically cover everything, like social media or certain physical boundaries in relationships) what I do is ask myself this question, “would I do that, watch that, say that, listen to that, if Jesus were right next to me?” The truth is that He is, but we don’t always make ourselves aware of His Presence, so this question is a good, practical indicator for your decisions. Would that one moment of pleasure whether it be the money, the fame, the platform, the relationship be worth it? Would it be worth knowing that it broke God’s heart? The answer is no. Sometimes those things may look good in the moment, but as Mark 8:36 says “for what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures] and forfeit his soul?” Sometimes you will have to walk away from opportunities, friendships, relationships, even people at a party that try to get you to do something you know you shouldn’t (and yes, if you mess up He still loves you, repent and come back to Him). Let me tell you friend, nothing will EVER satisfy you like Jesus can, He is the only one in whom you will feel complete, whole, and loved, He provides for you, He elevates you, He opens doors for you, He will bring the right people to you, you don’t have to worry about a thing! He will give you EXCEEDINGLY and ABUNDANTLY all that you can ask, think, or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I say this from personal experience.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) says “so whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. Everything in our lives should be to give God glory. In my job I give God glory, in my relationships I give God glory, in my finances I give God glory, in my time/love/affection I give God glory, it all gives Him glory. Everything good thing comes from God, everything I have, everything I am is from Him. Apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5), but through Him I can do all things (Philippians 4:13), so I am going to make sure I stay close to Him, I please Him, and give Him glory in everything I do. He is my reward. So, sometimes it looks like turning down things that look really, really good. Our no to those things is our yes to Him, and in Him we have everything. He is everything, and when you come to that place, saying no to the things of the world is so simple. My love for Him is above all else.

I didn’t say any of this to boast over myself, TRUST ME, I could not do this without Him. It takes surrender. My prayer is that this motivates and encourages you to grow closer to Him. I’ve never regretted walking away from anything (jobs, relationships, etc) that weren’t of Him, in fact it only took me to better places than I could’ve ever dreamt up for myself and that will forever be a constant in my life, and I hope, yours too.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” -Matthew 6:33