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By Any Other Name

Album: Gold Audio 08: Beyond Expectations

Episode: 106

Lesson/Theme: Calling things what they are.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 11:3

Characters: Lucy, Bernard, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: March 3, 1990

Last Air Date: May 28, 2008

Description:
Bernard Walton has changed the name of his company. Instead of "Walton's Janitorial Service," he tells Whit to make out his weekly check for Bernard's services to "Walton's Hygienic Maintenance and Engineering Company." The company's new title has come courtesy of a fast-talking, big shot, Chicago marketing consultant named Phil Phillips. Phil is advising the town's businesses to change their names to something more fast-paced and upbeat, even though those names may have nothing to do with the business. Meanwhile, Curt is up to a scheme of his own, trying to run for Odyssey Middle School's student council because-why else?-he thinks it's an easy grade. He enlists Lucy's aid as his campaign manager. Curt makes impossible promises to the students if they'll vote for him. Lucy tells Curt he can't lie like that, but Curt says no one expects him to really follow through on those promises. Lucy resigns her post, much to Curt's dismay. He complains to Whit about it, and Whit tries to explain that Lucy is right. Words are meaningful, and giving something a flashy name doesn't change what it really is. As a real life example, Whit, in front of Curt, exposes Phil Phillips as a con man wanted by the Chicago police. Phil tries to skip out of town, but is caught by the local authorities, and Curt learns a valuable lesson-at least until the election. . . .

Questions:
Is exaggerating the same as lying? Why or why not? Why is it so important to follow through on your promises? What promises has Jesus given us? Describe something that sounds fancy but is actually ordinary.