More information about
Bigger and Better
MAIN POINT
Financially, many
Americans are doing better than ever before. But while affluence makes
life easier in some ways, it makes it harder in others. What happens to us
spiritually when we can afford most of the things we want? What does it
mean for prosperous Christians to follow a Master who cared little for
money and possessions? To what degree do parents have a duty to say no to
their children's expectations that money is available for whatever they
want?
CHARACTERIZATION
Hal, a father
in his late 30s or early 40s, is starting to enjoy the fruits of his
diligence on the job. Though he values his own upbringing in modest
surroundings, he's pleased to be able to provide more amply for his own
family. And he believes he's earned the right to some luxuries.
Annie, Hal's wife, shares his values, but she is more introspective and more aware of the effect the affluence of their community is having on their children.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) In the earlier part
of the sketch, Hal doesn't pay a lot of attention to what Annie is saying,
though it is registering with him. Initially, he's thinking more about how
much he's going to enjoy his next golf outing. When he does give Annie his
full attention, he is truly concerned about the impact of affluence on his
children.
2) After Joe announces he wants more money, the pace of the dialog should pick up to convey a rising level of emotion. (See "Pick Up the Pace —And Slow Down," in this issue.) By the time Joe delivers his "Do you want me to be the only kid who can't go" line, Hal's response should actually be stepping on Joe's line.
3) In the end, when Annie agrees to give Joe money, she should speak with some hesitation to convey that she really doesn't feel good about what she is doing.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Luke 3:11, which
refers to owning two coats while a neighbor has none, is an excellent fit
for this script, as is the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21. See
Jesus' comments in Luke 12:33-34 and his encounter with the rich, young
ruler in Matthew 19:16-30. Consider also Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chronicles
29:12; Psalm 62:10; Ecclesiastes 5:19; and 1 Timothy 6:9
RELATED
THEMES
Use
this script to introduce the topics of affluence, child-raising, the
influence of society or materialism.
