If Words Could Reek
by Brian Bowman
Suggested Scripture: "We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do." James 3: 2-5 (NLT)
Theme: Words are powerful.
A young girl, maybe 12-13 years old, is sitting alone. She can be studying, reading, whatever. A second girl about the same age walks up and sits.
Second girl: Hi, Jenny. What's up?
Jenny: Not a lot, just studying for my algebra test.
Second girl: I've studied a little, and I don't think I'm ready. (pauses) You know, it's not fair that we have to take a test at all. Mr. Smith is a lousy teacher. I don't know how we're supposed to learn anything in his class.
Jenny looks a bit uncomfortable, as if the second girl has horrible breath and doesn't know it.
Third girl walks in.
Third girl: Hi, ladies, are you ready for this test?
Second girl (rolls her eyes) Whatever. This is so stupid.
Jenny senses the "odor" again.
Third girl: Stupid is right. Besides, we all know that "Meticulous Megan" is going to blow the curve again. I don't know why she thinks she's so smart.
Second girl: Especially with that hair. I mean, I wouldn't go anywhere near this school with that 'do. It is SO 1990's.
Jenny is being hit on both sides by deplorable breath. She should be obvious enough that the audience understands her suffering. Bulging eyes, waving hands, etc.
The second and third girls continue talking quietly in a negative way as a pianist (or tape) begins playing the theme from the Twilight Zone. If you don't know it, any suspenseful music will do. A narrator in a suit walks up and speaks very dryly to the audience.
Narrator: Jenny Smith has a gift; maybe a curse. At the tender age of (age of girl playing Jenny), she developed a sense of smell; a sense of smell like no one else. When people talk, she hears their words AND she SMELLS them. A pleasant, kind word can be as fresh as a dew-covered tulip on a sunny spring morning. A cruel word smells a lot like a warthog (Pause if the audience laughs. If not, keep going), sitting in a pile of old corned beef (pause again if the audience reacts) on a humid summer day. Middle school was tough on Jenny, and she carried this unique sense of smell into adulthood…and…The Twilight Zone.
Adult Jenny sits between two empty chairs as two coworkers enter the room.
Jenny: Hi, how's it going?
Coworker 1: How's it going? Honey, where have you been?
Jenny winces a bit. The smell is back. Her nose twitches a bit.
Coworker 2: Old man Peterson's riding our backs to get this report done on time. He just doesn't let up.
Coworker 1: And Angie's kissing up again. Honestly, if I looked like that I wouldn't be flirting with the boss.
It's clear Jenny is suffering from the bad breath. She starts to hold her breath to avoid the odor. Make it obvious! Have fun!
Coworker 2: Sweetheart, ever since her divorce, she's been chasing any man she could find with a pulse and a bank account.
Jenny starts to wave her arms as if it will help somehow. Her eyes bug out a little as she holds her breath. She continues this type of behavior as the two continue to talk.
Coworker 1: How about Jim in Human Resources? I hear he's loaded, but he's not the most masculine guy in the building. Am I right? That reminds me, I heard this joke the other day. Now, I'm not racist, but…
Jenny can't take it any more. She stops holding her breath and shouts.
Jenny: You two are KILLING me! C'mon, can't you try to say something NICE about somebody?
Both are astonished.
Jenny: Leave, please! Go, go, go!!
She chases them from the room…pauses and sits down again. She may pull out a container of deodorizer or perfume to clear the air. She's glad to be alone.
A third co worker walks in.
Coworker 3: Hi, Jenny. How's it going?
Jenny's hesitant to speak, but she does.
Jenny: Hi, Bob. (sheepishly) How's that account coming along? (she braces for the smell)
Bob: It's okay. I can't complain.
Jenny (lights up): Really? You can't?
Bob: I'm really glad to have this job. It can be tough at times, but that makes us stronger, right? Besides, a paycheck is a wonderful thing.
Jenny tries to contain her excitement, but it's obvious she's happy. She subtly tries to smell his breath.
Jenny: You're glad to have this job? I'm really glad you're here.
Bob: Thanks. It's tough at times, but all in all it's not too bad. She's more attracted to his sweet-smelling breath. Well, I have to get back to work. I'm surprising my wife with dinner tonight. You know, candle light, music, the whole nine yards. (he exits)
Jenny: Good luck, and thank you, thank you! (Go a little over the top with the thanks, if it feels right.) She follows him off the stage.
Narrator returns with music: If your words had a smell, what would you be like? Pleasant and sweet or rancid and stale? The next time you start to talk, remember, your words affect everyone around you. Be nice to Jenny. Be nice to all of us…And you have taken your next step into…The Christ-like Zone.
Exits stage
THE END
STUDY QUESTIONS
Someone read Ecclesiastes 10: 12 - 13
Have you ever said something you wish you had never said? All of us have.
How can we stop from saying things we should not say? Many times we say things that hurt others. The first thing that will help is to pray for the person you are getting ready to talk about. Your perspective will change.
Another approach would be to replace something negative with something positive and uplifting. Your words will reach others through those you talk to. Why not let those words be kind and encouraging?
Now read I Thessalonians 5: 11
God wants us to encourage each other and build each other up. If you refuse, you are being disobedient and you are not doing as Christ would do.
© 2004 by Brian Bowman
www.freechurchskits.com