The world says our value comes from our accomplishments but God’s word says something different.

Talking Points:

  • The Lie of the Performance Trap: One of the most common lies we believe about our self worth is that it’s based on our performance. If we’re good at something, then we have value. If we fail, then we are a failure and our worth is diminished.
  • Believing this lie affects us in many ways. We’ll chase perfection and fool ourselves into thinking we can do it all on our own. And when we fail, we’ll doubt ourselves and wonder if we will ever be good enough.
  • God’s answer to this lie is justification. We can’t ever do enough to be good enough for God. Only through Jesus can we be made right. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:23-24
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What would you say are your biggest accomplishments? What do those successes say about you? How hard did you work for that success?
  3. Describe a time in your life when you felt happiest. Can you think of a time you thought you would be happy about an accomplishment but you weren’t? Why do you think that was the case?
  4. What are some examples of empty pursuits people seek after to find happiness?
  5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What stands in our way of having a relationship with God? What did Jesus do for us? What does his sacrifice mean to you?
  6. Read Romans 3:23-24. What does this passage say about us? How does this passage change the way you see yourself and your accomplishments?
  7. Moving forward, how will you respond to the lie of the performance trap?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

Adapted from the book The Search For Significance by Robert McGee