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Leader Guide

Tug-of-War Skit

  • Three children to play “Child,” “My Will,” and “God’s Will.” The two who play “God’s Will” and “My Will” should be about equal in size. The one playing “Child” should be a good reader
  • Marker
  • Two pieces of cardstock
  • Duct or masking tape
  • Rope—about 6 feet
  • Chair

Select children to be actors and give them the skit to practice in advance.

In large letters, write “God’s Will” and “My Will” on the two pieces of cardstock.

Tape the “God’s Will” sign on one actor’s left shoulder.

Tape the “My Will” sign on the other actor’s right shoulder.

Setting: Cue actors to enter the classroom but do not announce to the children. Place the chair facing the children. The actor who plays Child comes in and sits down, looking very confused and perplexed. The actors playing God’s Will and My Will walk in holding the rope between them. They pull their rope tight and stand a couple feet behind the chair so that their signs can be read by the children. The actors do not speak words but will make sounds of a physical struggle during battle. God’s Will and My Will represent the struggle of wills inside Child’s mind. They will move back and forth pulling and tugging, winning and losing ground as Child deliberates what to do. Child talks aloud and is demonstrative with body movements and facial expressions that represent the battle. Child pauses a few seconds between lines so God’s Will and My Will can act out the struggle. Optional: the teacher may read the all the lines while the children act them out.

SKIT:

  • I don't know what to do! I am SO confused! I want to watch that new TV show so badly! My Will slowly gains ground.
  • But I know from reading the Bible that it is not a show I should watch. God’s Will slowly gains ground.
  • But all the kids at school are allowed to watch it, so I should, too! Can it really be that bad for me? I mean, my parents aren’t home tonight, who would know? My Will gains ground.
  • Oh! I know who will see me—God! I know He would not be pleased with some of the bad language in the show.God’s Will gains ground.
  • Well, I am older now and I should be able to watch what I want! My Will gains ground.
  • But then, I know the Holy Spirit lives inside of me to help me make wise choices and to stay strong against temptation. God’s Will gains ground.
  • Maybe I can just watch part of it, and if I hear a bad word I will turn it off! Yes, that would work! My Will gains ground.
  • Child makes a disappointed face. Now, why do I feel so bad inside after I said that? I think I know my answer. That is the Holy Spirit warning me of danger. I am going to follow God’s will, not mine! God’s Will yanks and pulls My Will completely out of the room. Child smiles and walks toward the door.
  • Thank You, God, for giving me the strength to make the right choice and to follow Your plan for my life!

Skit ends; actors bow.

Let’s clap for our actors!

The actor who played the Child had a tough decision to make! We all have choices that we wrestle with each day. It’s not easy when it seems like everyone is doing something we know we shouldn’t do. Just like in the Superbook video, Satan was speaking to Judas to convince him to betray Jesus in the garden. Satan tries to tempt us and persuade us to choose our will over God’s will. He wants us to make and follow our own plans for our life, not the plan God has for us! That was the intense struggle Jesus had when He prayed in the garden. Jesus fulfilled God’s plan. He died on the cross and was resurrected. Jesus then left Earth but sent us a Helper—God’s Holy Spirit. When we ask Jesus into our hearts, God puts His Holy Spirit inside of us to strengthen us and help us make the right choices to follow God’s plan for our lives.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of salvation by dying on the cross.”