Production, Consumption, and the Discernment to Redeem them Both

This week I wrote the first line of a screenplay I'm attempting to write. Honestly I'm pretty excited for it. It's definitely an area I've never entered into writing-wise, and that in itself poses its own unique challenges.

I won't say much about it other than it is inspired from my readings through the Bible. I'm not sure how long it's going to take me to complete (I'm hoping that it actually does get finished at some point in the future), but the fact that I'm finally doing it after mulling it over is an accomplishment itself. Just starting something that you said you'll do is an exhilarating feeling, it motivates you to dream further.

It got me thinking about how much we produce compared to how much we consume.

We consume A LOT, and not always in the good way. Actually, consumption almost seems to have a negative connotation to it now, doesn't it? "How much have you consumed lately?" is a question with a subtle tone of judgement.

I remember blogging about this once, discussing how we choose watching entertainment news over journalistic news (pizza over broccoli), how we care more about celebrities thousands of miles away instead of the people in our own communities, or the 'reality' mess we sit in front of at the end of each day.

But consumption can be redeemed.

When we intentionally focus on whatever is good, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, it's like exercising a spiritual muscle that gets stronger the more we use it. What we intake can shape what we express externally. It can have positive effects on our production.

Lecrae, for example, is a very talented rap artist whose lyrics are aimed towards his faith in God. He has used his platform in the music industry to share what he believes. He is someone who has been consuming the right things, and in turn is producing great work to the glory of God and the good of his people. In an industry where lyrics are hijacked for girls, booze, and cash, it's nice to see production (the creation of rap music) being redeemed.

It's so easy to consume; much harder to produce/create. But doing either one requires incredible wisdom and discernment.

The hours in our days are limited, and we all have a choice. What are we consuming? What are we producing? And is discernment being practiced so that we can consume and produce only what is beneficial?