The Search for Significance (Reflections)

McGee has written an excellent book (contrary to what some reviewers say) about obtaining significance in life through Jesus Christ (what He did for us and Who He is) instead of through our fleshly effort and the fickle approval of others.Among the points McGee covers in the book include:1. The abundant life does not mean a problem-free life.2. Our worth is based on what God says about us and what Jesus Christ did for us, not our performance or the opinions of others.3. God wants to be the Lord of our lives and He is unwilling to share that Lordship with anyone or anything.4. Express your hurt and anger to God first before going to other people (the Psalmnist often did this).5. The worries of this world are the main culprit in hindering our spiritual growth.6. Christ, not self-improvement, is to be the goal.7. God is not obligated to bless us, but does what is best for His honor and our growth.8. 5 ways to use God's affirmation as an offensive weapon for changing our lives.Yes, despite the pain and pressure in our lives, we can and do have a hope in Jesus Christ!Read the book and be encouraged to focus on Jesus instead of yourself or others, to get your self-worth and significance.Highly recommended!

"The Search For Significance" is a book that I had wanted to read for some time. A couple of friends had recommended it to me, including one in a small group I attended who said it helped him with relational issues. Therefore, I was glad to see "Search For Significance" on the reading list for one of my seminary courses. When I finished it, I was not disappointed. I found it to be very well done and a solid aid to my walk with God in the area of proper self-concept.As with "Victory Over The Darkness", I was really encouraged by the heavy Scriptural emphasis in "Search For Significance." This was especially important, given the author's theme concerning how our self-concept should be based on God's view of us. Such an assertion required the proper usage of key Biblical passages, and McGee took care to do just that. Indeed, the author actually stated his awareness that the Word of God is our final authority on our identity in Christ, regardless of the negative messages from the world, Satan, and even from within us. The book's overall organization was also an important feature of "Search For Significance." McGee created a solid, simple outline that formed the foundation for the book. First, he lists the "Four False Beliefs" - Performance, Approval, Blame, and Shame - that cover the major negative self-concept pitfalls which people tend to embrace. He then goes on to identify "God's Answer" to each false belief - Justification, Reconciliation, Propitiation, and Regeneration - and provides the Scriptural basis for these answers. The outline is especially helpful because it provides a concise, at-a-glance reminder of the book's overall theme that makes it easier to comprehend and apply his teachings. From there, McGee goes on to devote two full chapters to each False Belief and its corresponding Answer.After dealing with the Four False Beliefs and God's Answer to each of them, McGee devotes the last three chapters toward setting up a continuous plan to renew the heart and mind so that one can reinforce the lessons already learned. In chapter eleven he reminds us of our new identity in Christ, and that the Holy Spirit is the true agent of change in the Christian's life. He continues by identifying five pitfalls that "stem from a misunderstanding of Christ's love and forgiveness, and often prevent us from experiencing His presence and power." Of course, McGee provides a Biblical rebuttal for each of them. In the next chapter McGee illustrates the difference between guilt and conviction in a manner I found to be very well done. In fact, it is an excellent apologetic counter to the assertion that Christianity is motivated by guilt. In the final chapter, McGee makes it clear that renewing the mind is "more than repeating some words over and over." He once more stresses the fundamental role of the Holy Spirit. But he also states that our God-given emotions can be used to detect deception and assist in change. Once again, McGee provides

This book will challenge anyone whose willing to be honest with him/herself. It will help you deal with root issues of heart and understand more about yourself, as well as others. This book is not for the weak hearted. It's for the man/woman who has a longing to dive deeper into issues of self-worth, motivations, habits, attitudes, etc. Do not be deceived...if you're that person who has a high self-esteem this book will still challenge you in every area. I think it's for the Christian and non-Christian a like. I recommend reading the book with the workbook and a study group. I've had the opportunity to meet with several other women over the past few weeks and discuss a chapter at a time. Each person brings a new angle and perspective to the study.

Robert Mc Gee has written what I consider the definitive textbook on Biblical self-worth. You will learn God's system of value compared to the world's system. Instead of finding our value through possessions, performance and other people's opinions of us, we can base our value on our intrinsic worth through creation and redemption. Practical daily application tools are also provided. This is a wonderful book for those battling with significance issues, which are the root of a myriad of negative behaviors and mental disorders.

I read this book when I was in a psychiatric hospital for depression and an eating disorder. I don't know if I would have made it out without this book. I learned how much the opinions of others DON'T count and how much God's opinion does count...and I actually belive it!