Finding the Way Back to Mayberry
Episode #91, "The Rivals"
Introduction:
Opie likes a pretty girl from school, Karen Burgess, but she doesnt seem to care for
him. Andy, Barney, and Thelma Lou try to pick
up his spirits in their own way. However,
Thelma Lous special attention toward Opie makes Barney jealous.
Lesson Points:
Mentoring Isaiah 64:8
Seek Many Mentors During Your Life Proverbs 15:22
Obtaining Wisdom Proverbs 3:13-22
Passing Wisdom to Others James 5:13-20
Even Mentors Need to be Mentored - Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 19:20
An
Open Mind and a Trusting Heart Opie and Karen
Exodus 33:13-15, Psalm 23
Dont Be Too Timid or Too Proud to
Ask for Help 2 Samuel 22:29-33
Learning From Experience (Yours &
Others) Isaiah 58:11, Job 28:12-28
Life Doesnt Have Easy Answers Psalm 25:5, 27:11, 31:3
The
Danger of Wrong Motives (Be a Mentor, Not Tormentor) Barney Php. 2:3-4
A Jealous and Boastful Attitude
Romans 13:13-14 and 11:17-21, 2 Co. 10:12-13
When the Big Impression Blows Up in Your Face Psalm 127:1-2
The
Importance of Pure Motives Thelma Lou 1
Thessalonians 5:14-15
Sympathetic and Understanding
Hebrews 5:2
The Effectiveness of Listening
James 1:19, Romans 12:15-17, Isaiah 6:9-10
Positive
Parenting Andy and God Proverbs
22:6, Psalm 86:11
Making Time for Those We Love Psalm 33:11
Honesty is the Best Policy Psalm 32:8
Experience is Sometimes the Best
Advice Proverbs 1:20-33
Dont be Overly Protective Psalm 37:28
Build Up, Not Tear Down Luke
6:31
1) What were the different, distinct styles of the three
mentors? How did Andy make it easy for Opie to
ask him for help? How did Andy balance his
work with raising his son? How would Opie have
reacted if Andy had teased him rather than offered support?
2) What was the main motive for Andy and Thelma Lou? How about for Barney?
Did Opie really understand that the others were trying to help him? How did Thelma Lou know how to help Opie? Why did Barney become so jealous?
3) Was Karen rude to Opie? Could
it be that she was having difficulty, like Opie, in dealing with these new feelings? Was she jealous of Thelma Lou? Do you think Karen was being mentored as well? Why or why not?
Was Opie rude to Thelma Lou?
4) Is it OK to not have all the answers? Is it OK to ask others for help? Have you ever given advice to someone before you
fully understood the problem? Do you give
advice out of your own needs and weaknesses? Have
you been too proud to seek a mentor?
5) Do you have any mentors? Could you ask God to present you with good
candidates? Can you think of a child, friend,
or co-worker who may need your help?
Barney: Now, you
know I like Opie. I always have. Hes well mannered. Hes obedient, well brought
up. Hes a good little fella
but lately, hes getting to be nothing but a
pest!