The Office

Script: 'The Office'

by Grant and Ashley Winter

(This script is free for any churches to use and adapt at their own discretion)

A traditional teaching of the parts of man has taught that man consists of 3 parts, firstly the spirit – the part of him that communes with God at the deepest level but because of sin is also the part of him that is dead apart from the atoning work of Christ through the forgiveness of sin, and the act of regeneration which means his spirit is made alive again to God. The mind is the carnal part of him that thinks, reasons, makes decisions, thinks logically, is emotional but needs to be sanctified and renewed if it is to glorify God. (Romans 12:2). The body is the part that is simply the slave, doing whatever the mind tells it to do. So the Christian who is to grow into maturity needs to be a spiritual man – feeding his spirit by reading the Bible, spending time in prayer and in community with other Christians. In feeding their spirit like this, their minds are renewed by the Spirit, faith dominates feelings, and the fruits of the Spirit are evident in the deeds done by the body. But when the spirit is not fed, though it is alive it is weak and no longer the stronger part – therefore the mind begins to worry, be anxious, think with logic instead of faith, ceases to think God glorifying thoughts and the result is a carnal lifestyle which doesn't fully glorify God. (Galatians 6:8)

Romans 8:5-9 'Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death,but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to Gods law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.'

The aim of the skit is to encourage Christians to feed their own spirit by reading their Bibles, spending time in prayer and in community with other believers. In this way, they will experience a great depth of relationship with God, and will walk into Gods plans and purposes for their life.

Stage is divided into 3 parts –

1. The side of the stage where Mind and Body get off the bus (only prop needed at most basic level is two umbrellas)

2. The second part of the stage is the office where Mind, Body and Spirit 'work' from. (Props needed at most basic level: desk, phone, 3 chairs.)

3. The third part of the stage is the bedroom of Joe Christian, a SIMS type character who doesn't talk, simply follows instructions. (Props at most basic level: A bed/mattress.)

Characters:

1. Mind – A rather pompous and intellectual type character, quite academic and clearly thinks he 'has the brains' to be in charge (ideally played by a tall smart dressed type)

2. Body – Just takes orders from the mind, acts a bit slow and subservient. ie not the sharpest knife in the drawer. (ideally played by a person unshaven and dressed in overalls)

3. Spirit – Clean cut, balanced, well mannered and as a team player who wants to get Joe to serve God, tries to get Mind and Body to work together to glorify God.

4. Holy Spirit – As God, is dressed normally and acts as a normal person.

5. Joe Christian – As the SIMS type character, dressed normally.

The idea of the play is that as it is acted out in the office, Joe Christian silently and simultaneously follows the instructions given to him, in a fluid, not stop start way, so as to look realistic. The idea that both parts of the stage are being acted out separately yet simultaneously is to help the audience realise how every day life is not just about what we see and how we feel, but the internal and spiritual struggle that exist between the spirit and the flesh.

Act 1:

Mind and Body step off a bus, on 'their way to work'. (the audience don't yet know who they represent, as far as they know they look like an accountant type and a mechanic type on their way to work). As they 'step off the bus' they open their umbrellas, say farewell to the bus driver and begin walking together to work. They exchange casual conversation about the weather, weekends sport etc, and walk into the office.

Mind: Well, another day another dollar!

Body: If you say so!

Mind: Well as your boss that is my job, to tell you so.

Body: So what time is he actually getting out of bed today?

Mind: Whatever time I tell you! Honestly, I sometimes think you forget whose the boss around here. Remember, its your job to wake him up when you feel he's had enough rest. But I decide what he does from there, ok? Just remember I call the shots around here.

Body: Yeh, yeh, I get it, its the whole order thing.

Mind: You remember your training? Go on, tell me how it works again.

Body: You're his mind and I'm his body....

Mind: And.........

Body: And you decide how Joe thinks, how he feels, you make him happy or sad, you make the decisions and help him to reason.

Mind: That's right Body, I am the brains of this outfit. I do all the thinking. And you – don't! You are my servant. You cant do anything without my permission. If he doesn't think it, then he wont do it.

Body: Is that why I haven't been out for a jog for quite a while then?

Mind: Hey, its something I'm thinking of doing ok? Its on the to do list. When I decide its time to start you will be the first to know!

(Joe starts to stir)

Mind: Ok, I see you are waking him up. Thank you Body I will take it from here. And......... first thing we are going to do is sleep in some more.

Body: What?? But I'm supposed to take him on a jog, you decided his new years resolution was.......

Mind: Uh uh uh. I don't want any of that. Now, put the pillow over your head, turn onto your other side and go back to sleep.

(Joe puts pillow over head, turns onto side and goes back to sleep)

Mind: (Takes a sip of the coffee, puts feet up.). Just half an hour more and we should be ready to face the day.

(Then, Spirit steps off the bus, very brisk, excitable, happy and energetic. Approaches the office.

Spirit: Good morning!

Mind: Can I help you?

Spirit: Uh, yes I believe you can actually. My name is Spirit. Is this the control office for Joe Christian?

Body: Yes it is!

Mind: Shush Body!! Remember you just do what I tell you? Make yourself useful and get me some coffee.

Spirit: Ah, yes I can see the problem here!

Mind: Problem? There's no problem, except that Joe is about to wake up and we have a life to live so if you don't mind..(Mind tries to show him away from the door, but Spirit strides into the office)

Spirit: Well if he's about to wake up then we have got some work to do.

Body: I love to work!

Mind: Body! Keep quiet! (speaks slowly and academically). I am conversing with the stranger in order to ascertain the reasons for their bizarre interruption to our affairs...

Body: Huh?

Mind: (turns to Spirit). Who are you and what are you doing here?

Spirit: Well, in a nutshell, you remember last night Joe went to church?

Mind: Yes, well of course I only thought it was a good idea because he liked that girl who goes there and I thought it would score him some brownie points.

Spirit: Well that may be the case, but last night he came to know that Jesus Christ died for his sins, so he asked for Gods forgiveness, repented of his sins, gave his life to Christ, and the Holy Spirit made me ALIVE!!

Mind: (turns to Body). Ok, nut job at 12 o clock......

Spirit: What? No no, you don't understand. While Joe was a sinner I was dead cos God is holy and because he was born a sinner, his spirit, me, was dead – cut off from any relationship with God. But because he has now trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, he has a relationship with God, and I became alive!

(Mind and Body look at each other a bit confused)

Spirit: (Speaks slower). I'm the part if him that needed to be alive to have a relationship with God. And I'm going to direct him into Gods plans and purposes for the rest of his life! But, we need to work together on this.

Mind: So I'm not in charge any more?

Spirit: Well, its the best way for us to get Joe to serve God wholeheartedly. But Mind - I need you to be my Second in Command, and communicate all my orders to Body!

Mind: Mmm...So I still get to boss Body around ey? Doesn't sound too bad.

Body: Just tell me what to do!

Spirit: Right. Body, has Joe woken up yet?

Body: I woke him up, but Mind decided he needed to sleep in some more.

(Mind looks a bit sheepish)

Spirit: Well, the best way to start the day is with some good old school Bible reading and some praying. Mind, will you do the honours please!

Mind: Ok. Body, I have decided you may wake him up now.

(Joe wakes up.....yawns......sits up, opens Bible and begins to read.)

Spirit: That's it....feed me with the Word. (starts flexing muscles.) Oh yes I feel so strong. Its a brand new day, here we go to live this day for God!

Mind: You know, its weird but normally I start the day stressing about stuff, but, I feel strangely calm and...I feel pretty good! Though.....hang on......what about those work targets he has to make today............he's got so much to do......what if they fire him, oh no!!!!.........

(Joe closes Bible and begins to bite nails and stress)

Spirit: Mind, stop worrying. Jesus said we shouldn't worry! Bring all these burdens to God, he will take care of it.

Mind: Ok Body, get ready to do some praying.

Body: Onto it.

(Joe gets into traditional position for praying, kneeling by the side of the bed).

Mind: Ahhhh....that feels better. I can feel the anxieties lifting. Phew that was close! Spirit, I got to say its really good to have you around to keep us in check. This serving God idea is pretty awesome!

Body: Yeh, cant wait to hear what you going to tell me to do next!

(Joe looks happy, walks out)

Spirit: Every day an opportunity to serve God. Guys, Joe's life has just become a whole lot more exciting!

Act 2:

(Its six months later. Joe is asleep in bed. Mind and Body step off the bus, say farewell to the bus driver and walk to the office).

Body: So Mind, how long has it been since we've been serving God now?

Mind: Six months!

(As they walk in they find Spirit snoring and asleep on the floor.)

Mind: Spirit what's happening? What are you doing on the floor? You didn't sleep here all night did you?? You're looking tired....and.. (picks him up) hagged!! And...phew! how long has it been since you last had a shower?!

Spirit: Huh? (very groggy). Just let me sleep in some more.

Mind: Spirit what's wrong with you? Are you coming down with something cos you've been acting quite lethargic the last few weeks. What's going on?

Spirit: I think it's because Joe has been having late nights with friends and has been waking up late, he hasn't been reading his Bible or praying. And because he's been hitting his work targets and getting promotion at work, he's been too focussed on himself to think about God or church. Oh no, what's the time, church starts in 10 minutes and Body! You haven't woken him up yet!

Body: Hey don't blame me, (looks to Mind)...I just do what I'm told!

Mind: Well Spirit why didn't you change my mind?

Spirit: I'm just too weak to make any decisions that glorify God.

Body: So do you want me to take him to church now, he'll be a bit late but he can still get some of the worship and hear the preaching?

Mind: Well, um, I don't know............I suppose missing just one more Sunday meeting wont harm him. Just let him sleep in. Besides, I suppose I need some time to plan all the stuff in his life he needs to stress about. Actually feels like I've got a lot of catching up to do!

(Holy Spirit walks in)

Spirit: Holy Spirit! Its so good to see you.

Holy Spirit: Good indeed Spirit! Mind. Body (shakes hands). So how is Joe doing?

Mind: Well he's making lots of money and I'm feeling really egotistically excited and boastful that he's got loads of friends and.......

Holy Spirit: Well thanks Mind, but while those things are good, I'm really wanting to see how close he is to God and if he's walking in Gods plans for his life.

Mind: Ah. Well. Not exactly my department. (points to Spirit).

Spirit: Joe is struggling Holy Spirit. He doesn't want to go to church again today, he stopped reading his Bible and only ever prays when the Swans are about to play.

Holy Spirit: Well, the Swans do need the prayers! Look, Joe will have to grow into learning that God loves him very much, and that reading his Bible, praying and going to church wont bring God any closer to Him, but the problem is, he wont feel close to God. And when he realises how far from God he is, he will ask me and I will help him. We will never leave or forsake him.

(Joe gets up, checks time on watch, looks guilty and disappointed – then kneels down and starts praying).

Holy Spirit: Speak of the saint! Looks like he's asking us now!

Spirit: Thanks Holy Spirit. Through his prayers I'm feeling stronger already!

Holy Spirit: We got some big plans for this guys life boys. Keep him strong in God.

Spirit: Hey guys....my watch might be fast but I think there's still time.....

Mind: (Mind looks to Body). Now is a good time to start that running programme!

Body: Huh?

Spirit, Mind and Holy Spirit: (loudly to Body). Church starts in 5 minutes!!!

(Joe runs out the door with Bible under arm)

Holy Spirit, Spirit, Mind and Body: (Laugh together).

Body: (Takes a sip of coffee). Another great day at the office!

THE END.

(Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)