God-given talents can be a blessing—or a stage for self-promotion. This article poses an uncomfortable question: Do our efforts truly serve God, or do they primarily serve our own reputation? By Ellen White

Reading time: 5 minutes

“Spectacular methods are not suitable for Sabbath School; plays and musical performances take up valuable time without really accomplishing anything. Nor is there any blessing in rehearsing speeches with children for special occasions if the goal is to win them for Jesus. Instead of investing time, money, and energy in performances, we should direct all our efforts toward bringing in the harvest.” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 253)

“An evangelist should avoid anything in his meetings that resembles theatrical performances. Outward showmanship does not give power to the message.” (Evangelism, 501)

“Our success depends on advancing the work as simply as Jesus did—without any form of theatrical presentation.” (Evangelism, 139)

“Jesus’ ministry in this world also serves as a model for how we should deal with outward displays. Therefore, we would do well—like Jesus—to stay as far away as possible from anything theatrical or spectacular. Emotions must not be confused with faith, even though genuine faith certainly has a sacred, uplifting, and sanctifying effect on the emotions because it bestows spiritual life and salvation.” (Evangelism, 396)

“Those who work simply, humbly, and with dignity, while avoiding all that is theatrical, will leave a lasting impression for good through their work.” (Testimonies 9, 109; Testimonies 9, 106)

“I have a message for all those in leadership positions in our work: Do not encourage among the men who are being trained for the ministry the idea that the solemn, sacred message must be proclaimed in a theatrical style. Not the slightest trace of theatricality belongs in God’s work. It should be characterized by a holy, heavenly atmosphere. Everything related to the proclamation of the message for this time should bear a divine touch. Where theater and show elements gain ground, the holiness of the work will suffer.
It was shown to me that we will yet experience many things. Attempts will be made to introduce strange performances into God’s work. We have already encountered such things in many places. Right at the beginning of my ministry, I received the clear message that any form of theatrical performance in the context of proclaiming the present truth should be prevented. Some people rehearsed conspicuous body movements because they thought they were doing something special. They tried to attract attention through unusual behavior. But I was shown: “Do not allow such things!” Such performances, which strongly resemble theater, have no place in the proclamation of the solemn message entrusted to us.
The enemy watches us closely and seizes every opportunity to belittle the truth. To this end, he introduces degrading performances. None of this should be encouraged. Rather, the precious truths entrusted to us must be proclaimed with seriousness, dignity, and holy reverence.” (Evangelism, 137, 138)

“Keep everything that resembles theater out of these meetings … Do not let the songs be sung only by a few. Instead, encourage everyone present to sing along! While some may possess a special gift for singing, and sometimes a specific message can be conveyed by a soloist or a small group, singing should rarely be left to just a few.” (Testimonies 7, 115; cf. Testimonies 7, 112)

“Secular performances or theatrical productions are not necessary for the health of patients in a sanatorium … As soon as such entertainments are introduced, many lose their clear stance against attending the theater. The argument that morally good and high-quality plays are performed there also removes the last remaining protective barriers.” (Testimonies 4, 577)

“Anyone who claims to love and revere the sacred, yet at the same time allows their mind to be drawn into the world of fantasy, of superficial and contrived acting, is thereby cooperating with Satan’s work. For whoever watches such things becomes inwardly connected to them.” (Manuscript Releases 2, 246)

“I find not a single indication that Jesus would have instructed His disciples to keep fit by watching football games and boxing matches or to participate in theatrical performances; and yet Jesus was their example in everything.” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 229)

“Many enter enchanted ground when they visit places of entertainment where fallen spirits gather. Christians who go to the theater [or movie theater] should bear in mind that Satan is at work there as the actual ‘director’ of the proceedings. He stirs up passions and glorifies evil. The entire atmosphere is marked by immorality. He also takes charge at masquerade balls, costume parties, and dance events. He even casts his spell over card games. Wherever there is an atmosphere in which people forget their Creator, Satan is at work—no matter what guise he uses to conceal his purpose.” (Signs of the Times, May 18, 1882)

“Can one glorify God by learning to portray other characters as an actor and entertaining the audience with fables? Has not the Lord given us our minds so that we may glorify His name by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus? Those who aspire to a public career are welcome to take on a noble task. They may truly help the people who are merely portrayed on the stage. Let us return to reality!
Let us extend our compassion to those who need it by actually lifting up the downtrodden! It is Satan’s chief passion to corrupt the mind, so that people long for spectacle and theatrical performances. The experience and character of those who work in this profession will correspond to the nourishment they feed their minds.
The LORD has demonstrated His love for the world. There was nothing fake or acted in what He did. He gave us a sublime gift capable of enduring humiliation, rejection, shame, and contempt. While people devised plans and methods to destroy Him, the Son of the infinite God came into our world to show how the great work of humanity’s redemption and salvation is to be accomplished.
Yet today, proud and disobedient people strive to gain a great reputation and high honor among their fellow human beings by using their God-given abilities for entertainment. They do this instead of calling people to look upon the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Kress Collection, 159)