What Fathers learn from Andy Griffith
Jeremiah 6:16
Introduction. Everyone knows the familiar theme song of The Andy Griffith Show. Just a few
whistled notes conjures images of Andy and Opie walking down a dirt road with their fishing poles.
We remember the familiar characters of Barney Fife and Aunt Bee, and all the homespun stories of small-town life. They made 249 episodes of the show, stretching from 1960 to 1968. In an interview, Griffith said he didn't remember all the episodes, but we do. The show reminded us that newer isn’t always better, and there is something to be said for those old ways!
Likewise, God calls men to remember the “old paths” (Jer. 6:16). Not many people want to walk in the old paths these days either , but that is where you will find spiritual wisdom. Some of the qualities of the “old paths” were reflected in some of the lessons we saw in Mayberry.
Fathers need to take their rightful place. Remember the episode with the kid and his bike? The boy taught Opie how to throw a tantrum. Andy wouldn't be manipulated by his child, something that happens far too often today! Instead, we need to bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Part of the training and admonition of the Lord is to “Honor father and mother” (Ex. 20:12). Andy taught Opie compassion, honesty, respect, integrity. If Andy let Opie make demands, he allows the child to usurp his authority. NIP IT! This sort of thing is rare on television today!
You don' t have to be filthy to be funny! So many shows today rely on vulgarity and immorality for their humor. Andy shows us that you don' t have to stoop to those level s. The Christian, of course, must guard hi s language (Ephesians 4:29; 5:3-4). We will give account for the things we say (Matt. 12:34-37)!
Integrity matters! Andy always did the right thing. He lived his life with integrity. You don’t see many examples like that on television these days. Bible students know that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold (Prov. 22:1).
Don't think too highly of yourself! Andy was humble. Sometimes a criminal from the big city would be near Mayberry and the big-city police would end up needing Andy's help. But Andy was never arrogant, or boastful, even though he often did what the big city police couldn't do! Paul warns us not to think too highly of ourselves (Rom. 12:3). God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Respect is better than fear! Andy didn't carry a gun. “When a man carries a gun all the time, the respect he thinks he's getting might really be fear. So I don't carry a gun because I don't want the people of Mayberry to fear a gun. I'd rather they respect me,” his character said in one episode. But when he had to, he strapped on his sidearm, or picked up a shotgun, in order to deal with matters accordingly. Authority has to be both respected and feared. God must be both respected and feared. Respected because of His great love for us, and His power and might. Feared because if we do not accept His offer of salvation, we will force ourselves into exile from Him forever!
Conclusion. There is a song called, “I Miss Mayberry” by Rascal Flatts. It's a shame that many of our younger generations do not miss it, because they didn't get to experience it like we did. Many never got to see that the old paths were sufficient. But spiritually, we can still ask for the old paths. They are available to us still today! Invitation.
Outline from - Sermon Tree
Lyrics from Rascal Flatts – “I Miss Mayberry”
Sometimes I dream I'm driving down an
old dirt road
Not even listed on the map
I pass a dad and son carrying a fishing pole
But I always wake up everytime I try to turn back
Well I miss Mayberry
Sitting on the porch drinking ice cold Cherry Coke
Where everything is black & white
Picking on a Six String
Where people pass by and you call them by their first name
Watching the clouds roll by
bye bye