Youth culture creates more pressure than ever to present the best version of ourselves so others will be impressed and maybe even envy us.
Talking Points:
- The lie we believe is that if we are approved by others, then we have value. We often worry too much over whether people like us or not, and we are willing to do anything to make sure they do.
- Living for others’ approval can lead us down a dark and lonely path. We can’t be our authentic selves if we’re constantly searching for others to like us. Galatians 1:10
- God’s answer for this is to have a personal relationship with him. Through Jesus, we are fully accepted by God. That is what gives us value, not other people’s opinions. Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 8:38-39
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How big of a role does social media play in your life? Explain.
- What do you think people’s motives are in what they choose to post on social media? What would you say are typically your motives for what you choose to post?
- Who are the people in your life for whom you seek approval? What does their approval mean to you?
- Have you ever taken on more commitments than you should have? Why did you do it? What would you do differently today?
- Have you been rejected by someone before? Explain. How did that rejection affect your life?
- Read Colossians 1:21-22. Identify everything this passage says about Jesus and you. What does it mean to you that you can be a friend of God because of Jesus?
- Read Romans 8:38-39. How much does God love you? How should knowing that you are fully accepted by God change the way you view yourself? What’s holding you back from fully embracing God’s love and acceptance?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
Based on the book Search for Significance by Robert McGee
