Acting

Although I have been on stage from time to time, it would not be accurate to say that I've ever been an actor. My experiences are limited to silly skits and acting out stories for kids.

I am interested in acting, however. I remember hearing Marlon Brando and others talk about the "Method Acting" they found successful. Under this technique, if an actor's character was supposed to cry, the actor thought of something sad in his own life to bring tears.

In more recent years, actors have been taught to go more deeply into the character; to imagine the character in all sorts of circumstances to explore how the character might react. In this way, they would get to know their character from the inside out, and thereby be able to play the character more successfully.

We've all read stories about actors who actually spent time in circumstances similar to the role they were going to play in a movie. By spending time in the surroundings, the actor is seeking to get "inside the head" of the character so that he can portray the character more believably.

It occurs to me that to some degree we should be working, preparing, studying to act the role of Jesus. We should be exploring how Jesus would react in circumstances. (WWJD) We should be trying to get inside his head. (Phil 2)

We are called to be imitators of Christ; we are called to ACT like Jesus. Each morning we should "put on" Jesus. Throughout the day we should impersonate him. Think like him. Love like him.

And our internal efforts should produce external results. Characteristics of Jesus should shine through our personalities. Those around us should see Jesus in us.

So, if we are accused of "putting on an act" -- maybe that's not such a bad thing.