Backstage vs Front Stage
Rob Nock
1 Samuel 16:7 (NIVUK)
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Yesterday, I shared with you my involvement in various Christian events. It’s been eye-opening - these experiences have not only revealed how events are orchestrated but also shed light on human behaviour.
Did you know that things are treated differently based on whether they’re considered ‘front stage’ or ‘backstage’?
Allow me to take you backstage for a moment. Imagine a visit to Walt Disney World during the park’s quiet hours - the time when it’s being emptied out. Back there, behind the scenes, something intriguing can be seen. While the parts of the buildings visible to the audience were immaculate and meticulously detailed, right at the spot where the audience’s eyes wouldn’t reach, there are half-cut letters, boards partially painted, and a tangle of spaghetti-like wiring strewn across the back lot. It's like peeking behind the magician’s curtain and seeing the mechanics of the illusion.
I once listened to a talk by Simon Guillebaud, an author and speaker. Simon shared a personal breakdown he experienced, using the metaphor of ‘front stage’ and ‘backstage.’ Here’s the crux: The front stage of our lives relates to competence - the skills we display, the polished performances. But backstage? That’s where character resides - the raw, unfiltered essence of who we are.
Here’s the kicker: don’t mix up the two! Competence without character? It’s a recipe for catastrophe. Sure, competence can achieve things, but it lacks warmth - it can be cold and calculating. Character, on the other hand, drives our reasoning and ethics. Let’s birth our competencies from our character. That way, they’ll carry a heartfelt, God-glorifying motive behind them.
Today, ask the ‘why’ question. Why am I doing what I’m doing? And consider this: How is my character being put on display? Because character isn’t just backstage - it’s the spotlight that illuminates our true selves.
Prayer – Lord, look into my heart today and examine my thoughts. I give you permission to show me how you want me to change.