The Search for Significance

The Saving Solution vs. Satan's Snare 31
develop a "have to" mentality: "I have to do well
on this exam (or my security as a "good student"
will be threatened);" "I have to make that deal (or
it will mean that my boss will think I am a failure);"
"My father (or mother, spouse, or friend)
has to appreciate me and be happy with my decisions
(because I cannot cope with his disapproval)."
Isn't it odd that we tend to base our selfworth
on how well we perform and please others
instead of what the Sovereign God of the
Universe, our all-wise, omniscient Savior says is
true of us?
We do not "have to" be successful or "have to"
be pleasing to others to have healthy self-esteem
and worth. That worth has freely and conclusively
been given to us by God. Failure or the disapproval
of others can't take it away! Therefore, a
person can conclude, "It would be nice to be approved
by my parents (or whomever), but if they
don't approve of me, I'm still loved and accepted
by God." Do you see the difference? The "have to"
mentality is sheer slavery to performance and the
in
opinions of others, but we are secure and free
Christ. We don't "have to" have success or anyone
else's approval. Of course, "it would be nice to
have" success and their approval, but the point is
clear: Christ is the source of our security; Christ is
the basis of our worth; Christ is
the only One who
promises and never fails.
This book is dedicated to understanding, applying,
and experiencing the foundational truths of
God's Word. In the remaining chapters, we will
identify four specific false beliefs of Satan's deception.
In addition, we will discover God's gracious,
effective, and permanent solution to our
search for significance.