I spent last weekend learning about stunts and fighting in film and television. It was a fascinating and physically full-on weekend. One of the key things that makes a good stunt or fight on TV is deception.

Typically deception is a bad thing. However, in the world of stunts, because the audience is deceived, the stunt performers are not hurt, and the fight looks real on camera. We need the clever camera angles, technological tricks and skills of the performers to fool us into thinking something is happening when it’s not. Otherwise people would be seriously injured.

When Paul is writing to the Galatians he warns them of deceiving themselves. Deception for the stunt performer is all about looking after their fellow cast members and team. Deception for the Galatians was all about believing they were carrying each other’s burdens and looking out for one another when actually they weren’t at all.

“Do not be deceived” Paul warns (Galatians 6:7 ESV), you will reap what you sow. If you are performing a stunt or a fight and you think only about yourself, then you and others will end up struggling, wounded, and possibly even dead. It’s a team mission. If you live your Christian life thinking only of yourself then the same outcomes may apply!

“Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others.” (Galatians 6:10a TPT) Don’t deceive yourself thinking that you’re living life for others when really you only have your best interests at heart. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 ESV). As a stunt performer, no one is exempt from the responsibility of looking after the team, of considering the impact of their actions on those around them, of ensuring the setting is safe and that everyone is accounted for and equipped for the task ahead.

Same goes for us. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s a team mission.