Introduction
Otis is distraught when he discovers that his brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Verlaine, are coming to visit. He has mislead the couple into believing he is one of Andy’s deputy Sheriffs. Otis explains to Andy that he was always the black sheep in his family. His brother Ralph was always the one who would do well in life. Otis simply could not bear to admit that his family was right.

Andy wants to help Otis save face. So, much to Barney’s chagrin, he appoints Otis as a temporary deputy. When Ralph and Verlaine arrive, they are stunned to discover a sober and successful Otis. Ralph never really believed Otis would be anything but a drunk. He remains skeptical because Otis always had a fondness for drinking...

Lesson Points
False Appearances

        External versus internal (II Cor. 4:7)

        Afraid of what others might think

        Being honest with ourselves

By the Book or By the Heart (Luke 6:7-11)

        Against "falsifying"

        The big picture

        Accepting the consequences

Putting off our Old Self (Eph. 4:22-24)

        Requirements of the uniform

        Ours is not a temporary assignment (I Peter 4:19)

        Keeping the reward in sight (I Cor. 9:24-27)

Realizing our True Behavior (Matt. 7:3)

        Mirror reflections

        Reputation versus character

Discussion
Otis didn’t want to admit to his family that his life wasn’t perfect. How does his situation relate to us and the appearances we try to maintain with our spiritual family?

Otis had a lack of encouragement from his family. They never thought he would amount to anything. How important is it for us to encourage one another?

Obviously Barney wanted to go by the book, but Andy was more interested in the human factor. Who was right?

Even after Otis donned the uniform, he was still tempted. How does this relate to our experience?

Otis probably didn’t see the lack of respect he had for himself until he saw his own brother as the town drunk. What might Otis have learned? What can we learn?

Final Thought
"You never know how these things might turn out good." - Andy