Little Peach Music, Inc.

Vanishing Virtues

This series of topics is taken from William Bennett's book, "The Book of Virtues." It contains an exhaustive resource of stories, poems, nursery rhymes, and anecdotes on each subject. These can provide excellent readings, script ideas, program (bulletin) inserts, additional reading, etc. The book is a must for illustrating these topics.

Jump straight to a Topic:

Self-Discipline/Self-Control

Compassion

Resonsibility

Friendship

Work

Courage

Perseverance

Honesty

Loyalty

Faith

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

Self-Discipline/Self-Control

Self-discipline is a virtue that is often associated only with the physical body, but has great impact on the mind and soul. Even though this virtue can easily be seen as a worldly habit that is merely a matter of will (e.g., exercise, hard work, goal-driven), self-discipline is also referenced as self control. With this in mind, make an effort not to illustrate too extensively with elements that show only physical self-discipline, lest it be associated exclusively as a virtue that is manifested in a well-kept body.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: In Galatians 5 self-control is listed as one of the Fruits of the Spirit; II Peter 1 has it as an element to be added to our faith; and II Timothy 1 aligns it with power and love.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

Provide a testimony by an individual who has overcome an addiction (e.g., alcohol, anger, lust, etc.) and have them talk about the process that they went through and the struggles they still experience.

On a lighter note, show a video clip from the original "Karate Kid" movie where Mr. Miagi is showing Daniel how to wax-on and wax-off the car. Daniel doesn't see the exercise's benefit at the time he is doing it, but later realizes the value. Use this to illustrate how God has the big picture in mind and we need to simply be obedient to Him.

Performance song suggestion: "Dancing with the Dinosaur" by Steven Curtis Chapman, off his "Heaven In The Real World" album.

Compassion

A rare commodity because of the time, effort and energy it takes to give it., compassion is a topic that is big with the media, socially conscience community groups, the "X" generation, and even our government. The key factor is to reveal the purpose behind the compassion - - making sure you communicate Christ-driven compassion for a lost world and not just human suffering, as this is what differentiates the Christian view of compassion from the worldly view.

PROGRAM IDEAS:

A Teaching Moment would work well on the story of the Good Samaritan. Inform the audience from a sociological perspective as to why the story of the Good Samaritan has so much meaning and impact (what social standing did a Samaritan have in relation to the others, etc.). This story can be found in Luke 10:25-37.

Performance song suggestion: "Heart to God, Hand to Man" by Geoff Moore from his album, "Evolution." Take this one step further by setting up the song with a reading about William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. Your local Salvation Army chapter can assist you in obtaining this information.

Responsibility

Responsibility's always easier to pass it off on someone else, isn't it? This topic can easily overlap "self-discipline." In order to avoid this, take the perspective of responsibility of one's self for his or her own actions toward others and God. A good way to illustrate this is through the responsibilities realized through the different roles that a person has (e.g., son, husband, father, employee, child of God).

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Taken from the Galatians 6 account of bearing one another's burdens, concentrate on verse five where it says, "for each one should carry his own load." Delineate the difference between being responsible TO someone as opposed to being responsible FOR someone. For a reference, read the second chapter of the book, "Boundaries," by Henry Cloud and John Townsend (Zondervan), where this concept is illustrated very effectively.

Performance song suggestion: Use the worship song "He Who Began A Good Work (in you)" as a performance number, adding a significant instrumental intro. After singing it two times, have the vocalist(s) back off, having the instrumentalists continuing quietly (or go to only keys/acoustic guitar) and have a person give a life change story, telling how God has "completed a good work" in his/her life. The life change presentation could be from someone who the church has been praying for, or could be four or five people giving 30 second statements of victory. When the Life Change segment is finished, come back in with the chorus, this time inviting the congregation to join.

Friendship

Friendship is at the core of Christian fellowship and community. This topic is always a fun one because there are so many "warm fuzzies" about friendship, and because there is an abundance of resources, both Christian and mainstream. Feel free to take two or more angles on this virtue (e.g., the benefits of friendship; loneliness as a result of no friendships). It is such a universal topic, any perspective will communicate well. Try to refrain from illustrating with a passage about David and Jonathan - - it's been overused!

PROGRAM IDEAS:

Performance song suggestion: "Everybody Hurts" by pop group, R.E.M. This is a powerful song that speaks of pain, hurt, and loneliness. Precede this by a drama or Life Change story.

Do a medley of friendship songs (e.g., "Why Can't We Be Friends," "You've Got a Friend," "Lean On Me," etc.) in a cheesy way (as a lounge act?). These songs are easily identifiable with most people, and work great as a sermon illustration (what society thinks of friendship) or as a stand-alone element.

These elements work great as a package. Set the whole program in a restaurant, with the "lounge act " (Friends medley) as the entertainment. Integrate "Everybody Hurts" with a drama involving a friendless/lonely person. To continue the theme, name the restaurant "Buddies."

Work

Work, is it really necessary (smile)? Try staying away from the idea of work as related to ministry. Instead, concentrate on why work is a virtue, its inherent rewards, and the penalty of laziness. It's also important to distinguish between laboring for God and striving, with the former bringing about sustenance and nourishment, while the latter produces disappointment and empty returns.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Some good scripture passages to use are Matthew 6, Phillipians 2, and Isaiah 55.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

Re-enact the classic "whitewashing of the fence" scene from the novel, "Huckleberry Finn" (the story can be found in "The Book of Virtues). A simple picket fence can be put together for the whitewashing, and it works well to use adult male actors as opposed to children. To simplify the story and memorization, have a narrator do a voice-over to set-up the scene and interject where necessary to carry the story line. This illustration is recognizable, fun, and thought-provoking. The difficulty is in getting the accent right!

Performance song suggestion: "When I Am Gone" by "4Him" on their self-titled album. A medium-paced inspirational song that speaks of a legacy of contribution.

Courage

More than Hollywood bravery, courage takes discernment to decide what to be courageous about. This virtue seems to be evident in countless biblical accounts. It can overlap a theme such as faith, but can be differentiated by understanding it to be the promises of God and our assurance of their place in our life (God's faithfulness).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Reference Deuteronomy 31, where Moses is encouraging Joshua.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

If you have the equipment, take action-sequence scenes from some Hollywood movies (e.g., Stalone, Harrison Ford, Snipes, etc.) and edit them together to an upbeat, instrumental soundtrack (e.g., Joe Satriani; John Tesh's "Iron Man" soundtrack, etc.). You can title the piece, "Courage - - Hollywood Style." Note: Play it loud!

Or, show a clip from the "Wizard of Oz," where just before the foursome goes in to see the wizard, the cowardly lion sings his song about courage. Put this element right before the message.

Performance song suggestion: "Go On," by Russ Taff from his album, "The Way Home." Wonderful, medium paced, acoustic song.

Perseverance

Pressing on towards the goal. A challenge exists in adequately separating "work," "courage," and "perseverance." Collectively they have overlapping themes and attributes, but individually they emphasize different parts of the whole. A primary approach to this topic could be visualized by the poster that has a kitten hanging on for dear life from a tree branch, by nothing but its claws. Exhausted of all other means of dealing and coping with tragedy, hardship, loss, or just simply 'life,' show authentic illustrations of pushing on.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Reference I Corinthians 14:58; II Timothy 4:7.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

The movie "Rudy" shows a great illustration of perseverance. Choose the scene where Rudy is about to quit the team (Notre Dame). He's discouraged, dejected and ready to quit. If you have the equipment, edit it so that the scene where he gets to play in the game ends the segment.

Honesty

Honesty, Is it always the best policy (smile)? A topic that has an abundance of material from the world around us, honesty's antithesis (fraud, lying, cheating, etc.) is evident everywhere you look.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Reference II Samuel 11 (David and Bathsheba); Jonah 1; Luke 22 (Peter denying Jesus).
PROGRAM IDEAS:

Performance song suggestion: "Who Am I?" from the Broadway musical, "Les Miserables."

Re-enact the Les Miserables scene between Jean Valjean and the constable, Javier, to set-up the song, "Who Am I?" Start with Valjean getting caught with the candlestick holder, being forgiven, and helping the man from beneath the cart (each of these scenes can be done behind a scrim). End with the confrontation between Javier and Valjean, climaxing with the song. If at all possible, have them in period costume. NOTE: Use a narrator to set-up the scene, giving background on the two characters, thus bringing everyone "up to speed."

Loyalty

Take a lesson from Peter and Judas on this one. A big one in our modern society of convenience and situational commitment, loyalty can be looked at from the perspective of our loyalty to God or our loyalty to one another (or a combination of the two!). The Teaching Moment on Peter and Judas will aid in providing an illustration to set-up the message.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Reference John 6:68.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

Do a comparative analysis between Peter and Judas. Note their similarities (both turned against Jesus), but concentrate on their differences. Point out the condition of the heart and that even though Peter was disloyal to Christ, he was the one Jesus called, "the rock."

Performance song suggestion: "I'll Be There For You," the theme song from the sitcom, "Friends."

Faith

When all else fails, faith will pull you through. This virtue is the act of faith, not God's faithfulness. Focus in on the objections to people accepting God, what weakens/challenges their faith, and how the trials and set-backs life has to offer can strengthen their faith.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Reference Matthew 5 and Luke 7.
PROGRAM IDEAS:

Highlight a person who has struggled with the idea of placing their eternity in God; specifically, an individual who maybe explored other religions and chose Christianity.

Performance song suggestion: "Where Faith Begins" by Paul Smith, from his album, "Extra Measure."

During the song, "Where Faith Begins," act out each verse as it progresses. For a great visual, borrow a casket from your local mortuary for the death scene in the song.

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