Shipwrecked

[Love] always protects… 1 Corinthians 13:7

Props: 4-5 chairs (lined up front to back), oars, life vests, “water” to surround the “boat,” and any other “nautical” looking props available

Four or five workers are paddling their way along on a pleasant boat ride when one decides he wants a view of the ocean water—from the bottom of the boat.  He commences to reveal his plan to cut a hole in the bottom of the boat to better assist him in seeing the ocean water.  The others highly discourage such a plan with vehement protests (e.g., “What are you doing?!”  “Are you crazy?” “We’re all in the same boat, man,” ”Don’t do this—you’ll hurt us all!”).  Undaunted by their remarks, he commences with his plan.  The boat sinks, much to the dismay of the others, who are now stranded at sea.

This boat sank because someone who was in it destroyed it.  The damage had nothing to do with an outsider attacking.  I know that this skit is silly, but it can help us learn about something very serious.  Not all problems come from other people.  Sometimes the biggest problem people have is themselves.  Some of your friends might want to do or try things that could hurt them, like taking drugs, drinking or smoking.  Some kids watch things on TV or on the computer that they shouldn’t.  Maybe they even cut themselves or hurt themselves some other way.  It is your job as a friend to protect them from those things.  The Bible says, “[Love] always protects…”  That means you’re not just going to ignore those who are hurting themselves or who could hurt themselves or others. 

If you know someone who is doing or talking about dangerous things, you can help protect him by (1) trying to talk him out of it, and (2) telling an adult you can trust.  You’re not being a tattle-tale when you tell on someone who is doing something dangerous.  Love always protects.  Sometimes it’s not easy, but that’s what true love is all about.