Discussion Questions: May 24th: “Will you be my example?”
For those currently raising kids:
1. What is the funniest or most embarrassing thing your child has ever done to "mimic" you in public?
2. Looking back at the "NASCAR" analogy, in what area of parenting do you feel like you are currently "running on fumes"? What would "running out of gas" look like for you right now?
3. We talked about kids being "sponges." What is one thing you hope they soak up from you and one you hope they don’t? Why?
The Psalmist emphasizes telling the "praiseworthy deeds of the Lord" to the next generation. How can we share our failures as well as our successes to give the next generation a realistic example of faith? According to verse 7, what is the ultimate goal of being an example? How does this shift the pressure off of "being perfect" and onto "pointing to God"?
5. John Ortberg’s story about the "spilled punch" is a reality for many of us. Can you share a time recently when you parented out of your own stress rather than your child's needs? How did that feel?
6. Integrity means being a "whole number." Is there any "gap" between your public church life and your private home life that you feel God might be asking you to close?
7. What is one "Tank Filler" you are going to schedule for yourself this week so that you can parent out of a "full tank"?
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Empty Nesters or Without Kids
1. Who was the one adult (besides your parents) who influenced you the most as a kid, and what was the weirdest thing they did that you still remember?
2. (For empty nesters) Looking back, what is one "spilled punch" moment you wish you could go back and handle with more grace? (For those without kids) Who are the "sponges" in your life (nieces, coworkers, neighbors) watching you right now?
3. The talk mentioned that you’re never too old to start growing. How has your view of God changed since you were younger, and how are you modeling that "new nature" to the people around you today?
4. Read Psalm 78:4-7 The Psalmist emphasizes telling the "praiseworthy deeds of the Lord" to the next generation. How can we share our failures as well as our successes to give the next generation a realistic example of faith? According to verse 7, what is the ultimate goal of being an example? How does this shift the pressure off of "being perfect" and onto "pointing to God"?
5. Integrity means being a "whole number." Is there a "gap" between your public church life and your private home life that you feel God might be asking you to close?
6. How can you use your "marriage" or your "singleness" as an investment in the younger families in our church?
7. Many younger parents are gasping for air. Who is one "parent in the trenches" you can reach out to this week to help fill their tank or offer them a "pocket of silence"?
