Introduction:

When Gomer loses his job at Wally’s filling station, Andy invites him to stay at his house while looking for another job. Regrettably, Gomer proves to be an undesirable guest.

Lesson Points:

Being a Good Neighbor—Andy (Luke 10:25-37—The Parable of the Good Samarian)

Rules for the Conduct of Guests—Gomer (Proverbs 25:17, Luke 14:7-10—The Parable of the Wedding Feast)

Wisdom and Patience—Andy and Wally (Proverbs 3:13-14, Proverbs 19:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 2 Peter 1:5-7)

Utilization of Talents—Wally (Exodus 31:3, Matthew 25:14-30—The Parable of the Talents) [Note: As used in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East, a talent was a unit of weight or money.]

Discussion:

1. Gomer tells a customer four times, “I’ll be with you in a minute,” but the customer drives away angry before Gomer waits on him. If you had been Wally, what would you have done?

2. What else could Andy or Aunt Bee have done to make Gomer be quiet?

3. To many employers, Gomer Pyle represents a familiar conundrum. On the one hand, he has both mechanical skills and people skills; but on the other hand, he is unproductive and inefficient. How do you manage an employee like this?

4. In an earlier episode, Gomer tells Andy, “Me, I don’t do no engine work. Just gas and oil, water and air.” In this episode, customers take all their repair work to Gomer. How could Wally have better utilized Gomer’s talents?

Final Thought:

Andy: “See that fellow right there.”

Wally: “Yeah, that’s Gomer.”

Andy: “That’s more than Gomer. That’s your business.”