by Nico Magundayao
One of the highlights of a working actor’s life is the day that his Screen Actors’ Guild (S.A.G) card gets mailed to him. A S.A.G. card is issued by the actors’ guild signifying an actor’s entry into the union. It entitles the actor to use the benefits afforded by the union and is a ticket for work in more professional productions. The application for a S.A.G card is somewhat difficult because one of the requirements is for him to have acted in a S.A.G.-sanctioned production. The catch is no one who is a non-union member can act in S.A.G.-sanctioned productions unless a rare waiver has been issued for his/her behalf. Once an actor is issued the card, there are things that he can and cannot do anymore as an actor. The main restriction is he cannot act in productions that are not sanctioned by S.A.G. The main plus though is that a S.A.G actor is more apt to be hired for more prestigious projects in the future.
Baptism also works the same way. This rite is a voluntary act on the part of a Christian to signify his intention to follow Jesus Christ after he receives God’s free gift of salvation. It is NOT a requirement for salvation but a public manifestation that one is seeking to be an imitator of Him. Deciding on baptism is not an easy decision because it is an act of surrendering oneself to His will and entering into a covenant with Him. By electing to be baptized, one is entering into a public confession of faith.
That is where the decision becomes the hardest. What, if in following God, you are asked to leave behind things and people that you have grown attached to? What if God wants you to leave the dreams you have for a dream you are not as enthusiastic about? By becoming baptized, you are essentially, giving a “Yes, I will” answer to these questions. You are leaving the possibilities of these things happening in your life for His glory and edification. You are, in short, giving Your life up for His service by signifying to be baptized. There are things that you cannot choose for yourself anymore, but there are also things prepared by God that will give Him glory through Your life.
I prayerfully ask you, if you or someone you know has just decided to be baptized or is thinking about it, to ask this question: “If I am going to be baptized, am I open for God to do things to my life, both comfortable and uncomfortable for me?” If you are, then please set up your appointment to be baptized. If you cannot answer that question wholeheartedly, then it is time for you to pray God for strength to step out in faith, and for willingness on your part to forsake all to follow Him. It is your entry into a blessed life, for there is nothing more satisfying than living according to His design and purpose.
