Introduction

One of the ways you know you're growing in maturity as a follower of Jesus is when you can hold competing values in tension. Jesus did this perfectly, and when you learn from his example, you can figure out how to navigate nuance like him. In week two, Pastor John taught about developing two crucial perspectives: looking in the mirror to see what God’s doing within us, and looking out the window to see what God’s doing around us.

Discussion

1. Revisit and read James 1:22-25 & Hebrews 4:12-13. One of the bravest things you can do is look into the mirror of God’s Word and ask him to show you what’s going on. Share a story of when reading the Bible clarified something that was going on inside you.

2. Do you have a clear sense of what’s going on inside you right now? Have you invited God to do deep work in your mind, heart, and spirit? Why or why not? (See the application section for some reflection questions you could use this week.)

3. Revisit and read 1 Kings 6:17. We can ask God for insight and discernment when we pray with him. To see what isn’t being shown and to hear what isn’t being shared. Have you ever felt like you knew what was unspoken with someone and could speak into it? If so, share the story and its impact upon you and them.

4. Revisit and read Matthew 22:35-40. If someone asked you, “What’s happening in your Little Iowa right now?” would you be able to answer? What would you say? Do you know what’s happening in their lives? Or better yet, do you know what God may be up to in and around them? Why or why not?

5. What did Pastor John say we’re in danger of if we don’t look out the window at what God is doing around us? Or, if we don’t take the time to look into the mirror with God? Where have you experienced or are at risk of these dangers right now?

Application

Be praying. Ask for insight and discernment, both about your own life and to see into the lives of others so you can love them well.

Be reading. Make space for God’s Word to speak to you. Trust that it will reveal where your heart is at and what God is up to in your life.Be reflecting. You need silence to process your past and your present (and your time in God’s Word.) Invite God into it with you. A few helpful questions could be:When I have an emotional reaction, can I trace where it’s coming from?

• If I feel I’m carrying something, can I identify what it is and its impact on me?
• What does God say about the thoughts that keep coming to my mind?
• Do I believe God cares (and can do something about) about my mental, emotional, and spiritual health?

Be present. With God and others. Listen for what God is saying to you and what people are (or aren’t) saying to you. Make time and space for these relationships that matter most to you and to God.

Be obedient. When you hear or catch something from God, whether in prayer, his Word, or in a conversation – follow it. Trust the Holy Spirit’s work and do what God tells you to do.