Finding the Way Back to Mayberry

Episode # 196, “Goober Makes History”

Introduction:
Goober, who normally lacks confidence, grows a beard while out of town.  After several people compliment him on looking intellectual, he begins to see himself in a different light.  Soon friends are avoiding the prideful blabbermouth….

Lesson Points:
Lack of confidence…
        Looks only at the natural man, apart from God—Exodus 4:10-17
        Does not demonstrate faith that God will help—Philippians 4:13

Overconfidence…
        Does not acknowledge the Source of all things—Psalm 100:3; John 15:5
        Is dangerous and foolhardy—Proverbs 16:18; 29:23; Acts 12:21-23

Confidence that comes from God…
        Goes forward courageously in the power of God—1 Samuel 17:34-37, 45-47;
        Acknowledges God in all plans—James 4:13-16

Discussion:
Goober began believing that he had the intellect of a philosopher after receiving several compliments.  Why do we base so much of our self-image on the impressions of others?

Why couldn’t Goober see that his friends had begun avoiding him and did not take his philosophizing seriously?  What keeps prideful people in general from seeing themselves in the same way others do?

How is lack of confidence different from the godly virtue that Jesus calls “meekness”?

How are some ways in which pride could lead to a person’s destruction?