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REMOTE CONTROL

MAIN POINT
One of the strongest urges of our human nature is to gain some sort of mastery over the environment around us. Whether it’s other people, fate or God’s will, we hate being vulnerable to forces outside our control. We often react to that vulnerability by trying to gain what little control we can. And often people are the easiest things in life to control. Through trial and error, we learn what it takes to get people to do what we want. Some of us are obvious control freaks. Others find ways to exert subtle, passive controls. Often we try to control our children or our spouses. While people can certainly be legitimately influenced or motivated to act, we must be cautious about control. In truth, we can never actually control people. We can only control the consequences for choices – choices which people will ultimately make for
themselves.

CHARACTERIZATION
Both Tom and Rob should start the sketch in a high-energy, infomercial style. But don’t get too sappy. The audience should, for the first minute or so, feel like they’re listening to an actual infomercial. Although he never loses his smile, Tom eventually becomes a little more sinister throughout the sketch, while Rob becomes gradually more of the victim.

DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1)Make sure the transitions between lines are smooth and seam-less. It should sound almost like one person talking. 

2) They should both start the sketch with eyes riveted on a particular point in the
audience. That will give the audience a “studio” feel.

3) Similar dress — casual, but professional will help.

RELATED SCRIPTURES
Excellent Scriptures may be found in the story of Balak and Balaam, found in Numbers 22-24. In that story, Moabite King Balak tried to use Balaam as his “remote” to control the people of Israel, but learned that God is the One really in control. For the topic of consequences, consider the story of
the 12 spies, in Numbers 13 and Deuteronomy 1:19-45.

RELATED TOPICS
In addition to the themes of control and consequences, this sketch can also be used to open discus-sions of relationships, family life, human freedom and unforeseen circum-stances.