Little Peach Music, Inc.

The Seven Deadlies

Lurking in the shadows of our lives, these seven life-stealers rear their ugly heads at the most inopportune times, making them a constant, to one degree or another, in everyone's lives. Fighting them can seem futile, especially when they go unnoticed. Awareness is often times half the battle, which is the primary objective of this series. To contrast the negative realities of each topic, be specific about how the trait limits us in our relationship with God and why He desires for us to be in control of it (e.g., that it's for our benefit).

Jump straight to a Topic:

Pride: Attaining a life of humility by replacing conceit and arrogance with honoring God in who we are.

Envy: Substituing jealousy with a spirit of ocntentment and gratitude for all God has given us and how He has made us.

Resentment: Implementing a spirit of forgiveness, love and understanding - - leaving the judging to God.

Deceit: Owning up to being honest, transparent and genuine people in all aspects of life.

Gossip: How to pursue building people up, being trustworthy, and thinking and saying the best about people.

Selfishness: Focusing in on the needs and interests of others by reaching out rather than looking in.

Lust: Replacing an uncontrolled desire with a spirit of self-control.

Feedback and questions can be directed to: Edward Craner, Little Peach Music, Inc. e-mail: ecraner@littlepeach.com

Pride

Said to be mankind's #1 sin, the one that all others stem from, pride is an elusive trait that masks itself well. When asked if you have humility, the mere fact that you acknowledge you do disqualifies you from having it. This topic can be coupled with self-esteem, as the appearance of being prideful is often times an outside projection of an inside struggle with self. Define the difference between being proud of your child and pride.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

If you have an artist or sign painter available to you, ask them to create the seven deadlies, independently, with cardboard or foam core (1/4" works well) in large letters (2-4 feet tall). Each week, put the "deadly" up on a nearby wall, serving as a visual reminder of what the topic is. By the end of the series, all seven "deadlies" would be displayed.

Performance song idea: "In Christ Alone" by Michael English, off the album "Michael English."

To emphasize the song, "In Christ Alone," sing the chorus, "Humble Thyself" as a congregational song directly preceding it. Have the soloist do a transitional statement between the two to show the response we are to have to God.

Envy

Contentment is huge, and continues to be a growing issue as each generation is led to believe that they have a right to a better life than their parents. Illustrating and drawing attention to the people who are without is effective in the first part of the program, but the message needs substance that will accomplish more than play with the guilt feelings of having more than others.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Provide a testimony by an individual who has been on a mission to a third-world country or has worked with the homeless/inner city population would do well in communicating the process in which they went through, dealing with the emotions and feelings of Western world materialism vs. a life of poverty. It is imperative that they are transparent with their experience - - this is what will communicate effectively.

Drama: "Alone At Lunch" by CrossWinds Church. This insightful sketch features a main character who is a formidable victim in all areas of her life. If you have the technical capability, slowly turn either the entire stage or the main actor green over the length of the sketch - - the term "green with envy" takes on a whole new meaning!

Resentment

How often has it been said to not let a "root of bitterness" grow inside us? But invariably, feelings will be hurt, trust will be forsaken, and the root will start establishing its hold. It is primary to validate the feelings of hurt so as to build the credibility in order to give the solution. If it is stated that the transgression has to "just be forgiven," your words will fall on deaf ears. However, if you acknowledge the pain and hurt feelings, along with any other emotion that might accompany the resentment and identify them as natural reactions, people will open up to what the Bible has to say about the answer to their predicament.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Teaching Moment: Present a 3-4 minute overview on the Lord's Prayer, highlighting the meaning of each segment of the prayer and why Jesus included it in this model. Emphasize the debts/debtor part. Then, have the congregation stand and recite the Lord's Prayer in unison. Print it in the program or show it as a slide for those who are unfamiliar with it.

A good opening/closing chorus for this topic is, "He Is Able" ( . . . to accomplish what concerns me the most).

Deceit

"Honesty . . . is such a lonely word." More than the act of telling lies, focus on the lifestyle of deception, the "fake it 'til you make it" attitude that views deceitful behavior as acceptable as long as the outcome is okay. Often, like resentment, a life of deceit feeds on itself, getting the victim further and further immersed with each passing incident.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

This topic lends itself to a testimony from a person who makes their living in a career field notorious for dishonesty (e.g., law, sales, mortgage banking, etc.). Look for someone who was confronted with an area of potential compromise but chose against it (or, someone who gave in but rectified the situation).

Drama: "For Image Sake," by Zondervan (Willow Creek).

Use Billy Joel's song, "Honesty" as an offertory or prelude.

Gossip

Stay away from making this topic gender specific - - men and women are equally as guilty of this one! Although it is said to be a "Christian" sin, the premise for gossip is slander, which is a hurtful and harmful act toward another's character. Bring alive the root effect of gossip, exposing its facade to "being concerned" about the well-being of others - - call it for what it is!

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Performance Song: "Started As A Whisper" by Susan Ashton from her "Angels of Mercy" album.

Children are great at communicating basic truths. Take 6-8 children, ages 5-10, and do a short segment on important things their mothers have told them that would relate to this topic (e.g., If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all). Tell them that they are helping the grown-ups learn them, too. This works well if it is facilitated by a recognized children's leader.

Act out the scene from "The Music Man" where the town's ladies are gathered around and gossipping about the Professor. Integrate the "Pick-A-Little" song with the acting. For reference, rent the video. Follow-up the segment with a barber shop quartet singing, "Good Night, Ladies."

Selfishness

Reaching out to others is a noble effort, unless it is masking a void that exists behind it. Tending to other's needs at the expense of our own is not selfless - - it is unhealthy. But striking the balance between nurturing ourselves and focusing our interests on others is a precarious feat. The principles of letting go, abandoning, and giving away to receive, are fundamental in the health of anyone's Christian walk. Doing it with an authentic and pure motive is the struggle.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Performance Song: "My Way" by Frank Sinatra off of "Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits" Album.

Have the song, "My Way" sung by a couple of "lounge singers" who are in costume. They can do a schmaltzy version of the song, pushing each other out of the way to get "center stage" with their concluding, "Myyyyyyyy Waaaaaayyyyyy."

Multi-media: "More Than You'd Expect" from Harbinger Communications in Chicago. This multi-media is made up of cartoon illustrations. The video illustrates that when we give away what we have, God will provide more than we can handle.

Lust

The ongoing effort to replace uncontrolled desires with a spirit of self-control. Approach this topic from the angle of sexual lust, emphasizing the need for personal accountability, transparency, and choosing to excercise self-discipline.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Finding the right person for a testimony with this topic is crucial. An individual who is aware of their challenge with lust and deals with it openly is difficult to find. However, once found, can have a profound impact with their story.

Performance Song: "Mr. Jones" from Counting Crows off of their album, "August and Everything After."

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