Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
He uses a diagnostic: when he worries about “work and finances,” he realizes he’s not focused on “evangelism” and the kingdom; if you used that same gauge on your life, what would it expose about what practically drives your decisions and mental energy?
Another way to ask: He says his worry about money shows he isn’t focused on evangelism and God’s kingdom. If you used that same test, what would it reveal about what really drives your choices and takes up your mental energy?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Using the speaker’s gauge would expose what you actually prioritize by noticing what dominates your mental energy: kingdom growth and evangelism, or self-focused concerns like work, money, and people’s opinions. The transcript suggests worry is often a symptom that the kingdom is no longer the “driving force” in daily life.
- He says he “gauge[s] my life” by asking: “how much am I focusing on evangelism? How much am I focusing on… the kingdom of God?”
- He contrasts this with worry-content: “Or am I worrying about work and finances?”
- He draws a direct connection: “When I’m worrying about work and finances… I realize I’m not focused on the kingdom.”
- He adds: worrying shows evangelism “is not the driving force in my life.”
- He summarizes step one: “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” as the way to combat worry.