Mindsets That Hurt v HealSample

A MINDSET OF PERFORMANCE vs. A MINDSET OF POSITION

Philippians 4:6 says, "Don't Worry."

Worries can plague our minds when we allow them to. At some stage, a core root worry must wrestle with is our value and worth. Western culture feeds the mindset that performance determines your value. The Education System grades you, the Sporting World ranks you, the Business World evaluates you, and Social Media likes you. The Mindset of Performance creates a lot of worries because success equals an increase in value, and failure equals a decrease. Therefore, a performance-based mindset is a breeding ground for anxiety, fear and worries.

A performance-based mindset also activates a shift towards a works-based approach to salvation, trusting in self instead of trusting in Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear that we are saved by God's grace, which is a gift. It is not something anyone can earn through good work. Therefore, no one can boast about it. This is a wrestle every human being has due to the fact we all inherited the knowledge of good and evil, which has placed us with a false mindset of thinking we are 'like' god.

The key to shifting out of this destructive mindset is understanding and declaring our position in Christ based on the work of Christ, not ourselves. Our right standing before God is based on Jesus's offering - Hebrews 10:14. Our ability to come into His presence is based on His grace towards us - Hebrews 4:16. Our position and right are one of becoming children of God because of His love for us - John 1:12.

Grasping the mindset around our position, authority and right-stranding in Christ releases us from performance deception. Note there is nothing wrong with doing well as long as our value and self-worth are not entangled in the results. However, if you find yourself wrestling with worries around your self-worth and value in any performance arena, now is the time to make that shift mentally by aligning your worth back to the voice and authority of Jesus.

Don't worry; instead, know the truth that will set you free.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. What area of your life do you feel your value is entangled in performance?

2. What is your biggest fear about failing?

3. What do you hide about yourself out of fear of it being used against you?

4. How differently would you live if you had no fear of failure?

PRAY:

Jesus, help me align my mind to Your voice - who do you say I am? Forgive me for trying to earn my value; I choose to trust in you today. Thank you that my value is determined by your sacrifice on the cross for me. Amen.