1. Do you have life goals or "ends" that you have kept in mind over the course of your life? What are they, and why are they important to you?
 
2. How has having an end in mind (a goal) impacted your day to day decision making?
 
3. In the message, we said a lot of parents find their time dominated by 'urgent' aspects of parenting, like sleep patterns, nutrition, development issues and discipline. We said that this sometimes means that 'important' issues (like spiritual and moral development) can fall off the radar screen. To what extent (if any) do you experience this tension and pressure in your home?
 
4. Deuteronomy 6:4 is a very simple verse with a profound effect on the Hebrew community. It served as a central rallying cry about what mattered most in life. They even gave it a name, calling it "The Shema". The entire community would recite that verse twice each day out loud (followed by other passages). Read through a few translations of the verse, and spend some time talking about why you think that single, simple claim carried so much power.  How does this verse help you stay focused on what matters most?
 
5. Take a look at Luke 12:29-32. What claims does Jesus make? Do you find it easy to follow Jesus' advice? Why or why not?  Verse 31 establishes a single priority for life.  How would putting the Kingdom of God first, impact what you imagine for your child?
 
6. According to the Scriptures you've read during this study, which of the three options listed, do you think God is most concerned about: what you do, what you acquire, or who you become? Which of the three is the most difficult to stay focused on?
 
7. How do you think it might impact your parenting if you focused each day on who your child is becoming rather than what he or she is doing or not doing? What would be different in your perspective? In your relationship with your child? In your relationship with God?
 

For people who have given up on church
but haven't given up on God.