Invisible Gift Box & The Power of Influence

Idea by Eddie Brittain written by Barry Mitchell

Props
Barry Mitchell’s Magic Box and the Fruit of the Spirit silks.  The Magic Box is Barry’s version of a light and heavy box made of clear plexiglass.  The method is not described here but the effect is available at www.barrymitchellproducts.com

Preset
Place the fruit silks inside the box and have it ready to show.

Presentation
The Bible says that when we accept Christ we receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus.  Along with that gift we also receive the Holy Spirit.  It’s like receiving an invisible gift box.  You can see there is something inside my box.  (Show Magic Box on tray with Fruit of the Spirit silks inside.)  It’s some of the benefits of our gift of salvation.

In Galations 5 we learn about living in the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is (Show silks as you describe the fruit in any way you wish.  Replace silks in box when finished.) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We carry these gifts with us everywhere we go.  They may be hidden from view (Cover box with cloth.) in our invisible gift box but the fruit of the Spirit is visible to other through our actions.

These gifts are powerful but today I want to show you something else that may exert power over us if we allow it.  It’s the power of influence.  I’ll need some helpers.  (Choose three helpers, a child and a male and female adult.)

I want you (The child.) to play the part of Mr. Christian.  You represent everyone that has accepted the free gift of eternal life through Jesus.  This is your invisible box of fruit of the Spirit.  You have the power to lift this box and use your gifts at any time.  The power is so strong you can lift the box with your little pinky.  Go ahead and try.  (Allow helper to lift the box off tray without the cloth cover in place.)

However, you are surrounded by influences on every side.  Some are positive (Point to lady.) and some are negative. (Point to gentleman.)  I’ll hide your invisible box with this cloth.  It’s the same as our everyday lives because our gifts are hidden until we use them.  I’m going to ask our positive influence to place her hand on your shoulder.  Her influence gives you strength to use your gifts all day long.  Please lift the box.  (Allow child helper to lift the box off the tray.  The method for the Magic Box is described within the directions of the trick, which is available from www.barrymitchellproducts.com)  Excellent.  Some examples of positive influences might be daily Bible study, prayer time, and surrounding ourselves with Christian friends.  A positive influence will always give you a lift.  Miss Positive will you show everyone.  (Allow lady to lift box off tray.)

But on the other side is Mr. Negative.  Please place your hand on Mr. Christian’s shoulder.  Mr. Negative will weaken your desire to follow God and enjoy the gifts.  Please pick up the box now.  (Child will be unable to lift box.)  It seems strange that the touch of a negative influence can be so powerful.  Mr. Negative is always there trying to tell you that you’re not worthy of God’s gift, you’re too bad of a person, and God doesn’t really love you.  Mr. Negative is an example of how negative thinking can weaken us.  Mr. Negative would you life the box please.  (Allow adult to try to lift the box but he is unable.)  You see, even Mr. Negative who thinks he is strong enough to lift the box can’t do it.

But there’s power in the influence of God’s word and positive relationships.  Miss Positive please place your hand on Mr. Christian’s shoulder again.  Mr. Christian give it a lift.  (Child lifts box off tray.)  Wow, that’s the power of the Holy Spirit living in us.