Salt and the Spotlight

As performers our job is quite often surrounded by drama, both on and off stage.  Our actions and words are extremely powerful.  One of the best things about theatre, or just art in general is that it gives us a space to express ourselves.

The way we speak and what we speak of has an incredible impact on those around us.  It can be used to lift others up and bring life, or tear down and poison.  

            The bible speaks about the importance of our tongue over 170 times.  Proverbs is filled with verses on the power it holds, both positive and negative. Proverbs is often referred to as the book of “wisdom”.  I think it would be wise to take a look at how our words affect things. 

Gossiping is so easy! It can catch you by surprise too, sometimes you don’t even realize you’re doing it.  What started off as an innocent conversation has now turned into an opportunity for Satan to wiggle his way in.   Satan can use many things; it is important we stay on guard and make sure it’s not us he is using.

When doing a show, you usually end up spending time with the same group of people for a couple months.  You build new relationships and that is so exciting! Like any show though, you’re not leaving without some sort of drama.    It’s easy to get caught up in it, and sometimes you can even want to be a part of it.  

            Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue has the power of life and death” Wow. That is a pretty big deal! It’s probably safe to say we shouldn’t just be saying anything that comes to mind.  What can seem like harmless talk to us can really hurt someone else.   

As children of God, we are supposed to reflect his light and love.  The quickest way to ruin your reputation is by gossiping.  People will see they can’t trust you and will close themselves off to you. It’s not just your reputation on the line, it is God’s as well.   You might be the only bit of Jesus people will see in a day; do you really want to risk it to talk about show drama that doesn’t even matter?    

Word will travel and it will travel fast.  Satan is smart. He understands how tremendously powerful our words are; he wants us to talk.  Even if what you were saying wasn’t meant to come off as bad, he has a way of twisting our words. Simply being in the group or listening to the drama can be enough for him to cause trouble.

Socrates was a Greek philosopher responsible for a lot of early theatrical writing among many other things.  He understood just how harmful gossiping can be and came up with the Three Filters Test.  

The first filter is that of truth.  Is what you or someone else is about to say witnessed firsthand?

Second is the filter of goodness.  Is the statement you or someone else is about to make about someone good?

The third filter is the filter of utility.  Is what you or someone else about to say useful to know?

If the topic doesn’t pass these three tests that means it’s not necessarily true, not good, and is of no use.   

It’s a great filter to repeat when going through our own situations.  Not every conversation is gossip, but every conversation needs to be intentionally said. It’s impossible for us to always say the right thing, but God’s word helps us see what the best thing isn’t to say.

   I encourage you to take time to study what God says about our tongue and the power of words for yourself.  Don’t forget God put you where you are for a reason. He wants us to be loving and kind, and Satan is waiting for you to slip up so he can ruin it.  

I know it is easy to want to share things with your friends and to get caught up in the drama that life brings.   Not everyone will understand your reasoning behind staying out of conversations, but the Lord will.   

            Like words you have a bigger impact than you might know.  How wonderful is it that we can be used to encourage and bring light?! 

Verses to dive into:

Proverbs 18:21

Proverbs 16:24

Ephesians 4:29