With a friend, your family or in your small group, discuss the following questions. 

1. The Wright Brothers were really living from their heart and passion when they  eventually cracked the mystery of human flight. Can you remember a time when you  were so passionate about an activity or project that it became a labour of love? What  was it for you? Can you think of a time when you took on something that you were  not passionate about and your motivation was purely for outward appearances?  Describe the difference you felt in these two instances. 
   
2. What are some of the traditions that you practice individually or as a family? Why were the Pharisees so concerned about Jesus and his followers not following their  traditions like hand washing? 
   
3. What is a sacred cow? Brainstorm some things that have become sacred cows in our  culture? Give some personal examples from your life. What are some sacred cows in  the church? Why do we have to be careful of these things? 
   
4. In Matthew 15:11, Jesus says, It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you  are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” What does this statement  mean to you? Share some examples of when you know this to be true in your life.  What do you think of the statement, our mouths are the trapdoor to our heart? 
   
5. Why do many in our culture bristle at the idea that humanity at its core, have  corrupted hearts? 
   
6. Why is Jesus and the Christian faith, the cure for our corrupted hearts? 
   
7. In what ways are our hearts in danger of being harden by the world we live in. What  is the antidote to that condition? How can we ensure that our hearts remain pure  before God? 

Prayer and Action Item 

Pray for one another out of the key points that were discussed. If you are feeling like your heart  has become a little harder these days, pray the words of David in Psalm 51:10, Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me, and invite Jesus to cleanse your heart and  restore your passion for him alone, not tradition or sacred cows.