Half Way

by Brian Bowman

Scripture: "You do well in everything else. You do well in faith and in speaking. You do well in knowledge and in complete commitment. And you do well in your love for us. So make sure that you also do well in the grace of giving to others." II Corinthians 8:7

Theme: Commitment to any goal is important.

Props:  Television (Optional), Remote Control, Comfortable Chair, Bowl, Glasses or Cups

One man is sitting down, facing the audience as if he's watching a sporting event on TV. He's eating from a bowl. Not important that the audience see it.

Mike: (from offstage) Hey, Brian, you in here?

Brian: Yeah, Mike. Right here. Should be on in a minute. (keeps watching TV)

A second man enters and sits next to him. He also looks at the "TV".

Mike: This is great. Your (favorite team) are goin' down this year. The (Favorite Team) are back on top of their division! (Use any rivals that fit your area - allow for applause)

Brian: Yeah, talk big, big man. Hope your waterboy has a jersey, cause there's no one left.

Mike: Hey, what's this? The game's not on this channel.

Brian: I know. The game's on channel 50 and I only have 25 channels.

Mike: 25 channels? Why am I here, then? I thought we were gonna watch the game!!

Brian: I'm sure we'll hear who won soon enough. Ooh, Wheel of Fortune's on.

Mike: Wheel of Fortune?? Brian, I have to see this game and you only have half the channels??

Brian: Well, it's a lot cheaper.

Mike can't believe what he's hearing.

Brian: Here, have some jello (gelatin). I made it myself. Tuiti-fruity. (yells at TV) Pick an "R"! an R!!

Mike, okay. Man, I can't believe I'm sitting here eating jello watching a game show when the game of the year's coming on. (begins eating from his bowl) Oh, man, what is this????

Brian: What?

Mike: This isn't jello! It's like red cottage cheese! It's disgusting!

Brian: Well, I ran out of time. The box said it needed at least half an hour to set, but I only had 15 minutes.

Mike: (after making faces in disgust) Well, this is disgusting. I can't eat it.

Brian: Okay, then. Sorry. (pause) Hey, want some tea? I put in extra sugar for you. I know you like sweet tea.

Mike: You used enough sugar, right? Didn't put half the right amount?

Brian: Nope, used a full cup, just like you like.

Mike: Okay, then….(sips, then gags again) What's wrong with this?

Brian: What?

Mike: It's as bad as the jello. It's like colored sugar water!! I've never tasted anything like it!!

Brian: Oh….well, I ran out of tea bags. The box said to use six. I only had three. I didn't think you'd notice.

Mike: Brian, how can I -not- notice? Look at this stuff. (make more faces in disgust) Brian, you have to understand that halfway just doesn't cut it. You don't start something, and then quit halfway through.

Brian: I see your point, but it's not easy. I'm busy, you know.

Mike: I know it's not easy, but you have to finish what you start.

Brian: Okay, fine. (pause - Mike suddenly realizes he smells something) You know what? I just remembered that I spilled a big bowl of nacho cheese and some clam chowder on that chair yesterday. Sorry.

Mike: You cleaned it up, right?

Brian: Half of it….

Mike storms out in anger, Brian follows apologizing…skit ends.

Study Questions

Complete commitment is what God requires of us. How do we fail Him daily?

Read the scripture again in II Corinthians. What things were they doing well?

What one thing was suggested that they could do better? The grace of giving to others.

It is interesting that although the people were completely committed, it was not enough. Their actions would be the evidence.

When you do something half way, how do you feel later?

If it makes you feel badly, then you might just have a slight knowledge of how it makes God feel when we only give Him half of us.