Dear Salt&Light,

I am a mother of a son who will be entering university next year. He seems to be interested in going to film school, but I’m worried about his career prospects. I secretly hope he pursues a degree that is more practical, such as one in business, engineering, or education. I’m also concerned that the entertainment industry has negative influences. Is it right for me to stop him from pursuing his passion? If I should let him apply for film school, how can I find peace with the decision? 

Tan SW, 52, administrative staff

Ask most parents what they hope for in their children, and most would say: Good character, success in school, a stable job and a comfortable life, their own family.

But perhaps more fundamentally, parents need to ask: How do I raise my child to walk in obedience to the will and ways of God?

With that in mind, the following aspects might be helpful to consider:

Practicality 

Is practicality the only goal for our children?

I think we know that all parents want the best for their children, but sometimes the prevailing worldview dictates that what is practical is what earns the most money and ensures a comfortable life.

These are not wrong in and of themselves, but they should never trump a life lived in obedience to God.

Godliness

From a Biblical standpoint, we know that Christ is Lord over all things, and he came to reconcile all things to himself (Colossians 1:20).

Furthermore, God is himself a creator. In fact, he is an artistic genius – just look at the world around us!

He is a God of beauty, and he made man in His image to be co-creators of beauty with Him.

Seen in this light, can the film industry (which is a form of the arts) be considered ungodly? Surely not.

In fact, the arts is a wonderful vehicle that can communicate truth and disciple entire nations.

Perhaps all the more, we need Christians artists, songwriters, playwrights and filmmakers who will use the gifts God has given to them to shape the culture for good, rather than run away from it.

Talent

Does your son have talents and giftings in the area of film?

What have his teachers, mentors or relatives said about his personality and strengths, and are these suitable for the industry? Objectively speaking, do you think he is suited for this area?

If the answer is “yes”, all these might be an indication that God has given your son the capabilities that can be used for His glory in this industry.

Remember that your son is God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)– he has unique talents that God has placed in him. To try to stifle that, or to fit him into a safer, more “practical” mould, could be a way of making your son your workmanship instead!

Communication

Perhaps what is best is to process with your son his decision to go to film school.

Discern together with him if this is a passing whim, or something that he feels God is leading him into.

Are his passion and determination strong enough to make this a profession, or is pursuing this as a hobby a better option for now?

Include in your conversations the importance of Christian accountability and of connecting with other Christians practitioners in the industry.

Hear his heart, his concerns. Share yours. And finally, whatever decision is made, entrust your son to the Lord who is his strength and shield.