House Hunters

This past week, Laura and I filmed an episode of the HGTV show House Hunters. (Before any of you ask, it looks like it will air some time in Dec. 2012) We had a great experience learning the ins and outs of filming a TV show, getting to know the wonderful crew, and learning better how to "Invest and Invite". Some observations.....

1. Filming a TV show is long, non-glamorous work. We spent 10 hours a day on our feet, and, in the end, over 10 hours of footage will be shot to get a 30 min. show.
2. Getting it right really means "do it again". Our favorite joke last week was when the producer said, "That was excellent. Do it again." I remember one shot where I was simply opening a door for Laura at a restaurant that we had to re-film 7 times so that we had the perfect shot.
3. What we hear and see is not necessarily what others hear and see. I had mic problems the first day. The sound tech, Mike (ironic name, huh?), kept hearing something that we couldn't hear. (He told me that the mics were so sensitive that on previous shoots he had even heard the actor's heartbeat at times.) After a few wardrobe changes and some strategically placed tape, the situation was solved.
4. Distractions can stall production. In the course of filming we had to deal with AC units, cars, trucks, and motorcycles, planes, secadas, and lawnmowers (Though our producer Cilia had a gift for getting lawn crews to take 10 min. breaks!).

This morning I was reminded of some verses as I thought back on our experience.

Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)- "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep."

Though there is a healthy theology of work in Scripture, not only as a result of the fall, but also as an ethical response to following Jesus (James 2:14), any labor is in vain if it is not directed by the Lord. (Proverbs 20:24) As followers of Jesus we are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him. (Luke 9:23) We are called to a life of obedience as we keep in step with the direction and guidance of God's Spirit every day. (Galatians 5:16, 25) 

So, who is building your house? The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:22 proclaimed, "In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." Peter, likewise, declares in 1 Peter 2:5, "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Again Paul entreats us in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

The purpose of House Hunters is to look at three houses and then choose one to purchase (we can talk about the illusion of Hollywood sometime later). The purpose of God is that you and I be built into a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit and where He accomplishes His will as we daily surrender to His promptings and leadership in our lives. As we do, He forms in us the character of His Son as we offer Him the sacrifices of a life lived for His worship, praise, and glory. (Romans 8:28-30; 12:1-2) 

Will you allow God to build your house today? Will you allow Him to form in you the character of Jesus through the power of His Spirit? Will you be obedient to His calling to "keep in step with the Spirit" today asking Him to give you "eyes to see and ears to hear" as He directs your steps ? Will you be obedient to follow Him as He directs your work for His glory and other's good? 

Blessings as you serve. 

Pastor Jim