Getting What You Want

We value what meets our needs, hopes and dreams. In this is a key to building relationships and wholesome communities. People are drawn to those who discern and deliver what they need. We would tend to draw toward each other more if we all discerned and delivered what each other needed. Thanking one another might become more common. As needs were met, more of us would be able to turn to higher things than just getting our needs met.

More often most of us focus on what WE need and strive to get it for ourselves. If you devote all your time and energy to discerning and delivering what OTHERS want, you never have time to get your OWN . . . right?

But, don't we prefer to patronize businesses which are oriented around the customer? Customer oriented businesses prosper better than self-centered companies. Movies that appeal to the audience are the most popular. It better serves ourselves to serve others. Not only do we get more customers, but it feels better all around. Jesus said it: "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For whatever measure you deal out to others, it will be dealt to you in return." (Luke 6:38)

But if I give it to him, what about ME?

An artist would apply this principal by delivering the beauty, insight, inspiration that the audience is seeking, rather than indulging only in "self expression". Self expression can be fulfilled by giving what is needed. The writer consciously chooses to write the screenplay thinking of the audience, trusting that he/she will receive their own needs if they deliver the audience's needs. This will help create a work of long lasting value.

But none of us can deliver anything without ultimately receiving it from God Who knows all our needs and delivers. Can we trust God to provide what the others need us to deliver? This should be the artist's prayer.


Mark and Donna Turner co-founded Horizon Gate Productions over 30 years ago. It is a non-profit arts organization specializing in a mix of theater, filmmaking, writing, teaching, visual arts and performing all to draw people toward God. They have produced and taught on five continents and collaborated with artists who have expressed Christian faith even farther. Based in Julian, the Turners are currently embarking on the creation of an art film collection to be exhibited in a gallery along with the physical art used to make them. You can follow the productions on Mark's blog. Learn more about Horizon Gate at their website and at the Horizon Gate blog