Episode # 89, "Andy’s English Valet"

Introduction: The gentleman’s gentleman, Malcolm Merriweather of England, passes through Mayberry on a vacation tour of America. He manages to cause a truck accident while riding his bicycle and is forced to work off the damages as Andy’s personal valet.

Lesson Points:
Acceptance – Romans 12:9-13, Ephesians 1:4-10
        Avoiding prejudice – Matthew 7:1-5, Galatians 5:13-15, Ephesians 6:9, Psalm 146:9
        Avoiding hurt feelings – Proverbs 18:13, James 3:1-18
        Is our way always the right way? – Acts 10:34-38
        Grateful for the kindness of others – Colossians 3:15-16
        Our lives are enriched by the differences in others – 2 Timothy 2:22-26
        Are we really that different after all? – Luke 22:24-30

Serving Others – Mark 10:45, John 13:1-17, Isaiah 52:13–53:12
        There is a sense of duty in it – Matthew 7:12, Ephesians 6:7
        It is required – Deuteronomy 10:12-13
        We should serve as Christ served us – Philippians 2:5-7, Matthew 20:26-27, Heb. 4:14-16
        There is satisfaction in it – Ephesians 6:8, Romans 15:17
        It doesn’t end / It shouldn’t end – Matthew 25:21, Matthew 22:37-40
        It is a measure of the service we render to God – Mark 9:33-37, Revelation 5:1-14
        There is a reward for serving others – Matthew 24:45-47

Discussion:
1) What were "gifts" that Malcolm had received from God? What were his weaknesses? How did the reactions toward Malcolm differ with Barney, Andy, and Opie? What did Opie like about Malcolm? Why was Andy uncomfortable with Malcolm helping him? Do you expect people to serve you as Malcolm served Andy? Or would you be uneasy like Andy was? Or could it be that one way to serve others is by allowing them to serve you?

2) Have you ever made a snap judgment about someone without really getting to know him or her first? Were you correct in your assumption? Has anyone ever done that to you? If so, how did that make you feel? Why did Andy change his mind about Malcolm? How did Malcolm respond? Was Malcolm’s way of serving others really that much different from Andy’s? How was Andy’s job similar to Malcolm’s? How was it different? How does your job compare?

3) Why did Malcolm try so hard to take care of Andy and Opie? Why did Malcolm leave the first time? Have you ever hurt someone’s feelings because you didn’t appreciate their acts of kindness? Or because they overheard an unkind comment you made? How did they react? How would you have reacted? What is your purpose in life: to serve or to be served? How can you serve others? How can these actions also serve God?

Final Thought:
Malcolm (explaining to Opie why he is so thankful to him and Andy): Well, just think. I might have traveled the length and breadth of America without ever finding out what Americans were really like. I used to think you were quite different, you know. Then, I came into your home and saw how you lived. You’re not different at all, really. If it hadn’t been for your dad, none of this would have been possible. And looking after you and your dad has made me very, very happy.