Episode Title: “A Wife For Andy”

Lesson Title: “A Very Busy Body”

Biblical Theme: “Gossip”

Proverbs 11:13: A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.

Everyone loves a good gossip story, except you when it’s about you. To spread a secret may make us feel special, but it builds us up while it tears another down. Often, gossip is simply is simply an inactive person involved with idle talk rather talk rather than being committed to beneficial work. A busy body is usually only busy with somebody else’s business. If this is you, find a task to do with Christ in mind and start to work. For others, heed this lesson as you choose your close friends.

Parable: The Moral of Mayberry…

Here, Barney couldn’t stand life without a wife..but it wasn’t even his life! More than a fix up, he wanted to fix Andy, who didn’t even know he was broken. First Barney began to gossip, then Thelma Lou used her friends , thankfully Andy finally refused to window-shop on the women of Mayberry. Briefly describe how each person was affected by gossip.

Andy: Personal life on parade.

Barney: betrayed Andy, misused Thelma Lou.

Thelma Lou: used her friends , had her name defamed.

Mayberry Ladies: treated as objects for show.

Have you talked about someone secretly? Have you listened to that talk? For both, why?

Personal Response.

A busybody is a lazy judge. When we don’t occupy ourselves, we may talk about others, when we talk about others, we subtly pass judgment on them. You demonstrate you arrogance when you presume you have the right to gossip about another. Read Romans 1:28-29. Consider how Barney kept busy and why.

Why was Barney such a busybody to Andy? Who was Barney really focused on?

Barney did not keep busy with his own affairs. Ironically, while he was into Andy’s business, he was not really acting for Andy’s benefit. Barney was acting for his own satisfaction.

Loneliness is like a plague, but choose friends carefully. Friends can have a profound effect because they become invested in our lives. You should pick as companions people you want to resemble, to be wise, choose wise friends. Read Proverbs 13:20.Think about the friendship between Andy and Barney and Thelma Lou.

Should Andy have told his feelings to Barney? How could Barney have reacted better?

Andy might have known how Barney would react. By giving more information, Andy did not close the case, he encouraged the discussion. But Barney should have respected his wishes.

How did Thelma Lou help Barney to gossip? Why did she allow herself to be drawn in?

Thelma Lou enabled Barney by letting him use her name, her friends and her dinner. Her motive seemed innocent, to help Andy and Barney, but helping Barney actually hurt Andy.

Gossip usually grows from jealousy. A busybody is often envious of either control of events or completion from another friend. Read Proverbs 16:28. If you find yourself begrudging somebody, watch closely your words and actions. Rather than gossip, approach that situation in as open a manner as possible.

Why wasn’t Barney happy for Andy and Helen? How was he threatened by that relationship?

Barney wanted to control the outcome. Andy and Helen were getting together over his objections. If Andy stopped listening to Barney, then Helen might be Andy’s next best friend.

Reflection: At The Fishing Hole…

1 Timothy 5:13: Besides they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies , saying things they ought not to.

The hardest work some of us do is getting out the latest gossip. When we are not dedicated to good work, we become idle and begin to meddle, and hurt others rather than help. This applies whether we are men , women, or children because gossip can seem enticing to everyone. Read Proverbs 18:8. To resist all rumors, refuse to listen to the next one. Talk about others only keeps the fire fanned. Decide not to gossip and watch your desire to do so die from lack of fuel. Read Proverbs 26:20.

Like Barney, have you used gossip to get what you want? Give an example.

Personal Response.

Like Thelma Lou, have you treated gossip as a harmless way to do good? Give an example.

Personal Response.

Like Andy, have been the victim of a gossip? Give an example.

Personal Response.

Action: Get Your Bullet…

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

For their work, busybodies only earn animosity. When we gossip, we waste time we should spend serving others. Ironically, we may think we are growing relationships with all those that listen. Actually, we are creating separation between everyone by being untrustworthy. When you feel lonely, first seek the Lord. Read Psalms 25:16. He is the ultimate confidant and counselor. Instead of many loose friends, look for one true friend, or better yet, seek to become one yourself. Read Proverbs 18:24.

What will keep you from gossiping?

When we are not dedicated to good work, we become idle and begin to meddle, and hurt others rather than help. If this is you, find a task to do with Christ in mind and start to work.

How does gossiping create separation?

When we gossip, we create separation by showing we are untrustworthy, not only to those we are talking about but also to those who are listening to us.

Why will you choose close friends carefully?

Pick as companions people you want to resemble: to be wise, choose wise friends. While a true friend remains close, caring and confidential , a gossip does just the opposite.

Who have you gossiped about recently? When will you openly apologize?

Personal Response.