Filmmaker shares biblical message God sent about fame, success: 'Scripture was jumping out at me'

By Billy Hallowell, Contributor Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Alex Kendrick speaks during an interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention on March 1, 2018. | The Christian Post

Alex Kendrick, one-half of the Kendrick brothers filmmaking team behind popular movies like "Fireproof," "Courageous," "War Room" and "Lifemark," believes glorifying God and clinging to eternal truths should always take precedence over worldly accolades.

Kendrick delivered a powerful and convicting message about success during a recent podcast conversation with actress Shari Rigby, revealing his own struggles and victories in this arena.

"The more I got into telling stories in the form of feature films and books, Scripture was jumping out at me, and the Lord was pointing to the passages that talk about when you see a Pharisee or someone praying on the street corners to be seen by men, Jesus said that's the only reward they'll ever get," Kendrick said on Rigby's "The Women in My World" podcast.

He continued, "They're not getting something from the Lord when they are [trying] to be seen by men."

These Bible references led Kendrick to reflect on his faith and journey, particularly his movie-making efforts and other related projects.

"I started thinking, 'Lord, I don't want to do these movies or books or speaking just to be seen by men,'" he said, adding he, like so many others, has struggled "to feel successful in the eyes of other people." "I had to arrange, even in my own heart, what type of success was motivating me."

Listen to Kendrick discuss success, his career, and more:

Kendrick and his brother Stephen have openly discussed how they pray for a substantial time before making new movies, ensuring themes, storylines, and other elements align with God's will — a process differentiating them from many other filmmakers.

"I want the Lord's presence on the projects we work on," Kendrick told Rigby. "I want Him to be glorified, Him to do more through these projects and ministry avenues than I ever could, and I want to hear, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' when I'm standing before Him."

Kendrick said it's important to check one's heart to ensure God is at the center of people's motivations, keeping in mind what really matters and not becoming consumed by awards, finances, and other accolades.

"We've tasted a little bit of the awards and the status that we thought would be fulfilling, and it feels good for about 15 minutes," he said. "Then it starts to fade and I realize, 'Lord, I just want you.'"

The Kendrick brothers' most recent film, "Lifemark" — a movie about adoption released earlier this year on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade — has deeply resonated.

“We’ve got just a flood of responses and people even making decisions for Christ in the theater,” Kendrick told CBN’s Faithwire. “We’re very grateful for what’s going on and can’t wait to see what else God does.”