More information about
A NOSE FOR THE TRUTH
MAIN POINT
There was a time when to call something "man-made" implied some inferiority to
the "natural." No longer. Human effort and technology now boast of producing
improvements over the God-given in everything from hybrid crops to the
"technical" clothing athletes wear. We'd rather drink water from a bottle than
from a stream. We choose remote-controlled fireplace fires over the kind that require wood
and paper. The so-called improvements extend to our quality of life and sources of
satisfaction, too. Hollywood and Disney can produce environments where everything is
predictable, controllable and available ... for a price.
But there is one thing the man-made can never produce or improve on, and that is
satisfaction or restoration of the soul. Time reveals that manufactured realities cannot
really compete with the spiritual and eternal condition of human life, which only God can
effect.
CHARACTERIZATION
Jillian is a sincere, energetic and ever-so-slightly naive woman. She's
confident and willing to take a risk, but she's also impressionable. Play her as a
likable, engaging friend who freely invites others into her life.
Bethany is a little bit older, a little more street-smart, a little more
jaundiced by the disappointments of life. She is more of a career woman who sees through
pretense and is quick to form opinions. She's also a bit on the moody side, and her past
has made her the reluctant carrier of an independent and skeptical spirit.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) Use the lunch bags (and wrapped sandwiches inside, if desired) as
primary props. When Bethany becomes distant and annoyed, she can turn to her lunch and
finger the bag or nervously unwrap a sandwich.
2) Use the characters' proximity and body language as a communication
tool. In the humorous exchanges, such as when Jillian asks the opinion about her nose,
have them sit face to face, and have Jillian lean exaggeratedly close to Bethany's face.
Bethany can lean back in response. The use of the mirror can also be exaggerated, held
extremely close to each person's face as the questions are asked.
3) Nose size isn't important when casting Jillian's character, but be
careful that Bethany's character not be someone who is extremely heavy or extremely thin.
4) An indoor office scene could be substituted for the outdoor setting.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
The distinction between what humankind can produce and what God produces is repeated
throughout Scripture. In terms of soul satisfaction, see Jesus' words to the woman at the
well in John 4:7-14, and his invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. Regarding direction for
choices in life, see the words of the disciples in John 6:63-69. In John 14:1-4, Jesus
said he would go and prepare a place that surpassed human potential.
For descriptions of the coming kingdom and its superiority, consider Isaiah 11:1-9, Isaiah
65:17-25, Revelation 21:1-22:5 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-10.
For the distinction between internals and externals in God's eyes, see 1 Samuel 16:1-13.
The superiority of the spiritual over the physical is summarized in 1 Timothy 4:6-8.
RELATED THEMES
Use this sketch to contrast the importance of internal character versus physical beauty.
It can also fit well with a dating or marriage theme, underscoring the foundation of
acceptance, love and commitment over physical attraction. Consider using it to highlight
self-respect and body-image themes.
