Start Being Obedient

Personal Reflection • Where in my life is there a gap right now between what I know God is asking of me and what I am actually doing? • Is there something I keep intending to change—something I know I should begin or stop—but I have not yet made the transition from aspiration to action? • When obedience comes up against my preferences, feelings, or desires, which usually wins: my will or God’s will? • Is there any area of my life where, instead of allowing the truth to change me, I have begun changing or minimizing the truth so that I do not have to change? • What is one concrete act of obedience God may be asking me to begin today? For Spouses • Is there an area of our marriage where one or both of us already knows what God is asking of us, but we have been slow to actually do it? • Are there places where our feelings or preferences have started to carry more weight than what we know is good for our marriage and family? • How can we help one another move from good intentions to concrete action without becoming critical or controlling? For Parents of Older Children or Teens • Is there something you know is right but sometimes have trouble actually doing? What usually makes obedience difficult in that area? • Have you ever noticed that when we keep doing something we know is wrong, we can eventually start convincing ourselves that it really is not wrong? Why do you think that happens? • What is one small act of obedience to God that you could choose this week even if you do not feel like doing it? For Parents of Younger Children • Sometimes we know the right thing to do but do not feel like doing it. Can you think of an example? • Which son in Jesus’ story actually did what his father asked? • What is one thing God or your parents ask you to do that can be hard sometimes—but you can choose to do anyway?