It’s only Ice Cream!
by Neal Breeding
Copyright 1996, 2007
Scripture: James 1:14 & 15
Cast: 2 Guys (can be adapted for girls)
Emphasize the words in italic. Substitute each other’s names in for the blanks.
One: Hey, ________, you ready to go?
Two: Yes, let’s go.
One: Today has been a lot of fun, we should get out and spend more time without the women, you know, “male bonding.” (grunting noising may be made)
Two: Yes, today has been a lot of fun, and I was thinking that we (looking off as if distracted) should try to do this again, maybe next– (excitedly) hey look over there!
One: Where? (surprisingly) Uh ________ we shouldn’t even look over there. (turns body completely around)
Two: Oh come on, let’s just walk over there for a quick look. Just a little closer. (pulls One a little closer)
One: ________ we really shouldn’t!
Two: ________ it is only an ice cream shop.
One: But what is in the ice cream shop?
Two: Ice Cream of course, are you feeling ok? (by this point One has pulled Two into the ice cream shop)
One: Yes! I’m feeling just fine, and yes I am aware there is ice cream in this ice cream shop! But I don’t think it is a good idea to be looking at all this ice cream?
Two: Look ________, just because we are on that sugar busters diet, doesn’t mean we can’t look at the menu, right?
One: But ________ you know sometimes when we–(interrupted by Two)
Two: Look! They have homemade vanilla, and double chocolate rocky road, and mocha almond fudge!
One: (interrupting) ________ we should not be looking at this! I am telling you we are going to end up––(interrupted by Two)
Two: (with excitement building) And cookies and cream, and chocolate chip cookie dough-(interrupting)
One: (starts looking around) –but we really shouldn’t be looking at this (something catches One’s eye)–hey there is Pralines and cream, that has always been my favorite, and it is right next to chocolate peanut butter, which is right next to super-duper, triple-ripple, double-dipped, chocolate peanut butter fudge! Yummy! (realizing what has is happening) — what am I doing? ________ we have to stop looking all this ice cream!
Two: ________ I told you, just because we are on a diet doesn’t mean–
One: (interrupting)–you can’t look at the menu, I know, I know, I heard you the first time, but don’t you think looking at all of this ice cream is going to temp us into wanting–(interrupted by Two)
Two: –Oh look, there is Heavenly Hash, you know how long it has been since I have had that flavor?
One: ________ are you even listening to me?
Two: Yes, but I can’t help it! Maybe I’ll just get one of the free samples Yea, I need one of those little pink spoons. Yes, just a little sample!
One: ________ (in a fatherly tone). You can’t we need to–
Two: With a name like Heavenly Hash, it can’t be all bad! I don’t think a sample will be enough! I think I want a scoop. Yes, yes, a scoop on a sugar cone! I can already taste it in my mouth!
One: No! (grabbing Two) You can’t!
Two: Why can’t I? I just want one little tinny, little bitty, small scoop of ice cream, on a little mi·nute sugar cone.
One: You can’t because you are on a diet! Remember? Now come on! (dragging Two out of the store and to a bench, as Two is being dragged he says)
Two: (pauses) But, I really want… (hesitates & thinks to himself) but I, uh, yea, I am. (sheepishly, sitting down) Wow, I guess I sort of forgot for a second or two.
One: (joins him sitting) Now do you see why I think it would have been a better idea if we would not have even looked at the menu?
Two: (pauses to think) Yes, I guess you have made your point.
One: You know the Bible says in James 1:14 & 15 “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Two: But it was only ice cream?
One: But like the ice cream that was temping us, there are things in our lives we watch, hear, read, and are told that may tempt us to sinning.
Two: (catching on and adding to the statement) And they can cause us to gossip, be greedy, envious, prideful, or fall into lust. Like we were lusting after that ice cream.
One: Yes! And once we have tasted a little bit, we want more.
One: So I guess we shouldn’t even look at the menu when we are on a diet.
Two: You are right, and we aren’t just talking about ice cream we should stay away from. Let’s get out of here.
(Both exit)