Watch Over Your Heart - You May Influence Nations

My wife and I watched a documentary on Bollywood recently.

It was staggering to see the small family and social circles behind the largest film industry in the world. A few multi-generational extended families and their associates have exerted untold influence on the now 1.39 billion people of India (and beyond)!

It was also instructive to see how these filmmakers transformed in one generation from ground-breaking, but technically simpler melodramas to epic extravaganzas and sophisticated stories (yet, it's been hard to see a trend from more innocent inspirations like Billu Barber to films that mimic the worst of Western cinema).

But, as Peter Parker's (Spiderman) uncle says, "With great power, comes great responsibility."

Jesus' words are even more sober for the filmmaker.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”

Mark 9:42

We have the chance to influence nations (multitudes of "little ones") with our work.

The success of our work may itself bring temptation. When you succeed, will you continue to make films that speak Kingdom truth? Or will you abandon your mission and use your power for your own honor and gratification?

I plead with you. For your own sake and those you will influence. Watch over your heart with all diligence. For from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23)

Jesus will give you every good gift you need as you follow him. The riches and fame the enemy of your soul offers will have an initial thrill, followed by deadness of soul and dissatisfaction.

Your spiritual children (and your own kids and family) will thank you.