INTRODUCTION

In the past three weeks we have learned that good questions lead to good decisions which lead us away from future regrets. This series is so practical, so personal, and so brutally difficult to apply to our lives. Harvest is certain, but it is not fast. We naturally want to take the easy road and then be satisfied with our good intentions. This week we are building on our previous three questions:
-Am I being honest with myself…really?
-What story do I want to tell?
-Is there a tension that deserves my attention?
Let’s jump into some questions that will lead us to opportunities to go deeper. Ask ourselves even harder, more probing questions which will lead to opportunities to have courage to answer honestly and then the payoff opportunity to act in new ways. None of these opportunities become reality without our full engagement and action. Let’s take the plunge and head AWAY from regrets and full throttle towards better decisions!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Lays Potato Chips used to advertise that “You can’t eat just one.” They have been asking that since 1960. Although many have likely tried and succeed to only eat a single chip their business is thriving off the fact that some try but very few succeed. What is a goal or boundary you have set, but cannot seem to live up to?
2. What is something you have justified or allowed, but it may be time to consider removing it from your life?
3. Please share a “How did I get myself into this?” Story about yourself or a “friend.” :-)
4. Name a pattern or habit you have that may not be wrong, but it is also not wise for you.
5. Our culture subtly lures us away form wise choices. Where do you personally sense this gentle, yet persistent and effective tug in your life?
6. Saving a little money as a kid can yield a surprising return over time, but it was never fun to pass on getting candy, some new clothes, or to go to a movie with your friends so you could put that money in savings. What is a present sacrifice you need to consider in favor of future benefits?
7. What are some seemingly minor or insignificant decisions you have made in the past that led to very positive benefits later?
8. What excuses do you make that you want to confess and walk away from?
9. Making unwise decisions will always be easier than making wise ones. It takes effort, intentionality, and many sacrifices to make wise decisions. How willing are you to pay that price? What do you need to do to get on that right road? What are you willing to do to make sure you stay on that road?
10. Take a moment and name some dream results you and those around you will experience if wise choices are made over time.

MOVING FORWARD

Anything worth having is worth working towards. The things that come easy are easy and not long lasting. God has given us free will and He also blesses our efforts. He will invite us to the truth and help us make decisions that honor Him. Making choices that are wise is not easy, but it is especially not easy when we live immersed in a foolish world. What can make it even more challenging is when it seems that foolish people are getting better returns on their decisions than you are. Our Heavenly Father will lead each of us on a road that is best for us and for those around us. Period. Our maturity starts with our commitment to Jesus and our willingness to trust Him for everything. This is a journey and it is not easy. We never said it would be. Jesus did not either. He just promised He would guide us, help us, and bless us. Lead on, Jesus!