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The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes
We are all searching for significance to ourselves, to others, to our community and to our world. Discover what three million readers have already that true significance is found only in Christ.
Robert McGee's bestselling book has helped millions of readers learn how to be free to enjoy Christ's love while no longer basing their self-worth on their accomplishments or the opinions of others. In fact, Billy Graham said that it was a book that "should be read by every Christian."
What makes this book so uniquely powerful is understanding that the journey begins in a very private place—your thoughts. “When I fail at something, I feel lousy about myself. When others do not approve of me, I can’t seem to get over it. Sometimes it feels like I’ll never measure up.”
These are the universal lies that trigger the cycle of self-doubt, robbing you of joyful living. Now, you can free yourself from these self-defeating lies.
One by one, The Search for Significance confronts these lies, dismantles them, and points you to a higher truth that is the source of life’s meaning. It points you to Almighty God—the source of life itself.
In this re-launch of this timeless classic, you
Gain new skills for getting off the performance treadmillDiscover how four false beliefs have negatively impacted your lifeLearn how to overcome obstacles that prevent you from experiencing the truth that your self-worth is found only in the love, acceptance, and forgiveness of ChristWith a hands-on workbook and new, revised material, now is the perfect time to discover The Search for Significance. If you’ve already encountered its life-changing truths, there is no better time to explore them all over again, enriching your life in the process. Your own journey begins with this step.
Other products in the Search for Significance family of products include a devotional journal and youth edition.
Robert McGee's bestselling book has helped millions of readers learn how to be free to enjoy Christ's love while no longer basing their self-worth on their accomplishments or the opinions of others. In fact, Billy Graham said that it was a book that "should be read by every Christian."
What makes this book so uniquely powerful is understanding that the journey begins in a very private place—your thoughts. “When I fail at something, I feel lousy about myself. When others do not approve of me, I can’t seem to get over it. Sometimes it feels like I’ll never measure up.”
These are the universal lies that trigger the cycle of self-doubt, robbing you of joyful living. Now, you can free yourself from these self-defeating lies.
One by one, The Search for Significance confronts these lies, dismantles them, and points you to a higher truth that is the source of life’s meaning. It points you to Almighty God—the source of life itself.
In this re-launch of this timeless classic, you
Gain new skills for getting off the performance treadmillDiscover how four false beliefs have negatively impacted your lifeLearn how to overcome obstacles that prevent you from experiencing the truth that your self-worth is found only in the love, acceptance, and forgiveness of ChristWith a hands-on workbook and new, revised material, now is the perfect time to discover The Search for Significance. If you’ve already encountered its life-changing truths, there is no better time to explore them all over again, enriching your life in the process. Your own journey begins with this step.
Other products in the Search for Significance family of products include a devotional journal and youth edition.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 1984
1194 people are currently reading
5602 people want to read
About the author
Robert S. McGee
65 books28 followersRobert S. McGee is author of The Search for Significance which has sold over 3 million copies. He is also a lecturer and counselor. He started the national health care organization, Rapha, that began integrating a Christian perspective into psychiatric and substance abuse treatment in hospitals.
McGee has also written numerous books on recovery from various dependencies, disorders, relationships, and substance abuse. His years of experience as a counselor helping people heal from emotional wounds has given him a unique perspective on what it truly means to be honest with yourself.
McGee has also written numerous books on recovery from various dependencies, disorders, relationships, and substance abuse. His years of experience as a counselor helping people heal from emotional wounds has given him a unique perspective on what it truly means to be honest with yourself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
May 23, 2009
God has used this book, in conjunction with two others, to help me see so many ways in which I had been living a lie in my Christian life. God has used McGee's words to "shine the light" on my very performance oriented approach to life. God has exposed my fear of failure, my tendency toward perfectionism and many other ways in which I have "bought in" to the Enemy's plan.
This book is rooted in scripture and I found the author's handling of the bible responsible and appropriate. In fact, don't miss that the entire back half of the book is a workbook designed to be worked through at the same time as the chapters are read. There are scriptures galore and many opportunities to sit at the feet of God and prayerfully evaluate what the author says. Never before had I seen such thoughtful, thorough study of such lofty concept as "propitiation" and "justification" (and more) and begun to see just how these concepts applied to my life now in refuting the lies of the enemy. I truly have experienced a transformation that I never would have imagined.
Not just "theoretical," this book has also been extremely practical for me. God has used this book and the things he showed me about my life to keep me from making an enormous mistake by leaving my church. I had no idea just how much my living, reacting, and responding to many things was out of my past until God showed me through this material. In doing this, in working through the material in this book, I have peace in a situation I never could have imagined. In fact, I am resolved, committed, more than I have ever been.
To break free from a performance-oriented approach to life flies in the face of everything in our culture and, sadly enough, in our churches often times. But there is nothing like it. God has transformed my life and my ministry and this book has been pivotal, helping me to understand scriptural teachings that I didn't have clarity about.
This book is rooted in scripture and I found the author's handling of the bible responsible and appropriate. In fact, don't miss that the entire back half of the book is a workbook designed to be worked through at the same time as the chapters are read. There are scriptures galore and many opportunities to sit at the feet of God and prayerfully evaluate what the author says. Never before had I seen such thoughtful, thorough study of such lofty concept as "propitiation" and "justification" (and more) and begun to see just how these concepts applied to my life now in refuting the lies of the enemy. I truly have experienced a transformation that I never would have imagined.
Not just "theoretical," this book has also been extremely practical for me. God has used this book and the things he showed me about my life to keep me from making an enormous mistake by leaving my church. I had no idea just how much my living, reacting, and responding to many things was out of my past until God showed me through this material. In doing this, in working through the material in this book, I have peace in a situation I never could have imagined. In fact, I am resolved, committed, more than I have ever been.
To break free from a performance-oriented approach to life flies in the face of everything in our culture and, sadly enough, in our churches often times. But there is nothing like it. God has transformed my life and my ministry and this book has been pivotal, helping me to understand scriptural teachings that I didn't have clarity about.
November 29, 2013
The Search for Significance falls under "Christian self-help." It covers four core fears/lies people believe about themselves:
-I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself.
-I must be approved by certain others to feel good about myself.
-Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished.
-I am what I am. I cannot change. I am worthless.
and then uses Scripture to address each belief. The author is a counselor; I suspect this book is a culmination of his counseling techniques. The self-reflection quizzes and questions are helpful for processing as you read; the workbook at the back is helpful for self-awareness, healing, and growth.
-I must meet certain standards to feel good about myself.
-I must be approved by certain others to feel good about myself.
-Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished.
-I am what I am. I cannot change. I am worthless.
and then uses Scripture to address each belief. The author is a counselor; I suspect this book is a culmination of his counseling techniques. The self-reflection quizzes and questions are helpful for processing as you read; the workbook at the back is helpful for self-awareness, healing, and growth.
April 7, 2011
My pastor's wife gave this to me today - it could not have come at a better time. That was not an accident.
Very timely book for me and a lot of rich content. I will re-read this again and again. When my children are older - I'd also like them to read it and start out with a better perspective of true success than I did.
Very timely book for me and a lot of rich content. I will re-read this again and again. When my children are older - I'd also like them to read it and start out with a better perspective of true success than I did.
December 10, 2021
3.5
I likely would have never picked this book up if not for my bible study group. Non-fiction is just not my thing and this book is pretty heavy text bookish for my taste. It was hard slogging through in places and I definitely wouldn't have gotten as much out of it if I'd just been reading it on my own. The weekly chats with the women in my group brought a whole other dimension to this study. McGee asks some probing questions that make a reader dig deep as they evaluate past and present and contemplate how freeing a true relationship with God can be.
As far as use in a bible study: pretty intensive and can get into personal stuff, so if your group isn't at that stage you might want to modify or skip this one. Also, significant reading / homework assignments each week so you want to go in committed. It just wouldn't work if you haven't done the homework.
I likely would have never picked this book up if not for my bible study group. Non-fiction is just not my thing and this book is pretty heavy text bookish for my taste. It was hard slogging through in places and I definitely wouldn't have gotten as much out of it if I'd just been reading it on my own. The weekly chats with the women in my group brought a whole other dimension to this study. McGee asks some probing questions that make a reader dig deep as they evaluate past and present and contemplate how freeing a true relationship with God can be.
As far as use in a bible study: pretty intensive and can get into personal stuff, so if your group isn't at that stage you might want to modify or skip this one. Also, significant reading / homework assignments each week so you want to go in committed. It just wouldn't work if you haven't done the homework.
October 15, 2013
"The Search for Significance" is a study about what we usually do to try to feel significant versus the truths in God's Word about where to find our true significance. Those who hope to find happiness and significance through meeting certain standards or gaining approval from certain people will find that it doesn't last.
This book helps you to identify where you currently look for significance, explores the Bible for the truth about how God sees us, and teaches us how to replace lies with truth. This is truly a life-changing book, and I've read it several times. While this book focuses on where we find our self-worth, he has two other books that cover finding peace and finding freedom from insecurities, addictions, etc. Id' highly recommend these books.
This book helps you to identify where you currently look for significance, explores the Bible for the truth about how God sees us, and teaches us how to replace lies with truth. This is truly a life-changing book, and I've read it several times. While this book focuses on where we find our self-worth, he has two other books that cover finding peace and finding freedom from insecurities, addictions, etc. Id' highly recommend these books.
March 21, 2007
This is probably my favorite book of all-time. Perhaps because of its relevance to me at the time of reading it. I read it during college, when I was really seeking to find purpose and acceptance in my life. This book brings to light the universal lies that trigger our feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness. It is important to remain focused and aware of the fact that we all serve a greater purpose as God's children and that he created us all with the greatest amount of significance possible! Such a refreshing book, I occasionally will reread parts of it and it speaks to me every time! :)
October 25, 2012
This book has potential, but it is too focused on the ego. The emotional aspect of this book is distracting. The author wants you to embrace the fullness of justification in God. That is a wonderful thing, and in many places he does it well. However, McGee seems to makes this more egocentric rather than christocentric. I would still recommend it to someone struggling with self-worth.
March 13, 2025
This was a really influential book in my life. I grew a lot in many areas because of the truth about my standing before Christ and what my worth is because of that. So good!
August 8, 2022
Very positive Feel good christian book. Very deep. Good for reading again and again.
June 27, 2025
While this book overall was encouraging, I took a couple of stars off because the author referenced at least one psychologist, chemical imbalances in the brain and talked about forgiving yourself after presenting how The Father forgives us fully and completely through Christ.
(I also listened to the abridged version.)
(I also listened to the abridged version.)
April 14, 2012
WARNING! To anyone who reads this, do not read if you are suicidal or have any form of psychosis.
This book was recommended to me after a failed suicide attempt. I was excited to see what materials in the book could help me and help me to see the truth of the Word of God and God's will for his children when they are struggling. I found it exciting that there was a Christian book which used psychological theories to back it up.
That said, this book was beyond disappointing. The author's understanding of deep, chronic psychotic depression was non-existent as he never even mentioned that. He mentioned some information on very remedial depression, though, and through this information, totally and completely misrepresented what true depression really is. The sort of "snap out of it" mentality is just the very thing that had lead to some of my specific ideation, that said, this book is one of the WORST books to put into a person's hands who is suffering from a Psychotic episode due to Depression.
Edit to add: The subjects that this book spent most time on were not subjects that I am currently struggling with and, though irrelevant, were also discussed in a shallow and dismissive manner. However! As a guide for the average person with vague experiences of low self esteem and mental and emotional anguish, this is a book that can help with a Christian Slant.
This book was recommended to me after a failed suicide attempt. I was excited to see what materials in the book could help me and help me to see the truth of the Word of God and God's will for his children when they are struggling. I found it exciting that there was a Christian book which used psychological theories to back it up.
That said, this book was beyond disappointing. The author's understanding of deep, chronic psychotic depression was non-existent as he never even mentioned that. He mentioned some information on very remedial depression, though, and through this information, totally and completely misrepresented what true depression really is. The sort of "snap out of it" mentality is just the very thing that had lead to some of my specific ideation, that said, this book is one of the WORST books to put into a person's hands who is suffering from a Psychotic episode due to Depression.
Edit to add: The subjects that this book spent most time on were not subjects that I am currently struggling with and, though irrelevant, were also discussed in a shallow and dismissive manner. However! As a guide for the average person with vague experiences of low self esteem and mental and emotional anguish, this is a book that can help with a Christian Slant.
May 19, 2020
Loved it. Great advice to overcome Satan’s Lie: self-worth = performance + others opinions. Applicable, scriptural advice based on sound doctrine that identifies common obstacles in the way of our relationship with God.
August 28, 2011
This book is like the bible to me. Which is heretical, so I won't say that- but almost. It's life changing. I read it whenever I am insecure or unsure of God's love for me. Read it!
May 13, 2020
I highly recommend this book whether you've been following Jesus for years or exploring your faith. God loves us far more than we can imagine and we have great worth in his eyes.
April 28, 2025
This is such a great book & resource for personal use and discipleship!! I got to read this for discipleship with Neva and throughout the semester we got to know ourselves and one another so much better!! God used this book over and over to show how lies have been deeply rooted in my mind and He helped to begin the process of unraveling them! 10/10 recommend
August 23, 2017
No fluff here, only steak and potato Christian doctrine. Informative for newer Christians and a great reminder for more seasoned Christians.
December 3, 2021
I have a crazy, reclusive uncle who, through an unlikely convergence of opportunity and incidental lucidity, was very influential in my early Christianity. He appeared when I was a teenager, impacted my young mind, and then disappeared. Several years later, he crawled out of his hobbit hole to recommend this book. Then right back into the shadows, and I've never seen or heard from him since.
But wow, what a book. I'd never read any "self-help" stuff, and Robert McGee's practical approach to combining psychology and the Gospel was earth-shattering. I'd never considered just how deeply the Gospel changes us, and how dire my need for healing. I read Search for Significance. I reread it, and that I reread it again. I raced to the bookstore, bought a dozen copies, and handed them out like tracts.
For whatever reason, the current of time pulled me away, and I forgot about SfS. Like Josiah unearthing the Law, I recently rediscovered it. It's as good as ever, and I daresay that every person, believer or otherwise, owes it to himself to read and memorize SfS. It's that good.
Notes:
Thesis: significance is man's basic need. it's fulfilled in the love and acceptance of God.
Basing self worth on our own efforts ultimately leads to despair (28)
Self-worth = Performance + others' opinions (28)
Manifest in a) compulsiveness or b) withdrawal (30)
False belief: I must meet certain standards in order to feel good about myself (38)
The first thing we do when we fail is look for someone to blame (41)
False belief: I must be approved by certain others in order to feel good about myself (57)
My sin against God is worse than anything someone could do to me (83)
Those who fail deserve to be punished (99)
we need to verbalize what the blood of Christ has done for us: We are deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete in Christ. (103)
Guilt vs. conviction (162)
"The Trip In"= destructive emotions come from destructive thoughts, which come from false beliefs . False beliefs are energized by life situations. Since life situations can't be controled, the path forward lies in eliminating false beliefs (166)
But wow, what a book. I'd never read any "self-help" stuff, and Robert McGee's practical approach to combining psychology and the Gospel was earth-shattering. I'd never considered just how deeply the Gospel changes us, and how dire my need for healing. I read Search for Significance. I reread it, and that I reread it again. I raced to the bookstore, bought a dozen copies, and handed them out like tracts.
For whatever reason, the current of time pulled me away, and I forgot about SfS. Like Josiah unearthing the Law, I recently rediscovered it. It's as good as ever, and I daresay that every person, believer or otherwise, owes it to himself to read and memorize SfS. It's that good.
Notes:
Thesis: significance is man's basic need. it's fulfilled in the love and acceptance of God.
Basing self worth on our own efforts ultimately leads to despair (28)
Self-worth = Performance + others' opinions (28)
Manifest in a) compulsiveness or b) withdrawal (30)
False belief: I must meet certain standards in order to feel good about myself (38)
The first thing we do when we fail is look for someone to blame (41)
False belief: I must be approved by certain others in order to feel good about myself (57)
My sin against God is worse than anything someone could do to me (83)
Those who fail deserve to be punished (99)
we need to verbalize what the blood of Christ has done for us: We are deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete in Christ. (103)
Guilt vs. conviction (162)
"The Trip In"= destructive emotions come from destructive thoughts, which come from false beliefs . False beliefs are energized by life situations. Since life situations can't be controled, the path forward lies in eliminating false beliefs (166)
January 21, 2014
Maybe 3.5 stars. I expected to like it better, and it contains lots of solid, scriptural guidance on being all God designed us to be.
Then why the low rating? Because less than a hundred pages of substance is diluted by over two hundred pages of anecdotes, Reader's Digest-style self evaluations and study guides. Not that any of those were bad, but they distracted from the real material.
Still, a good read.
Then why the low rating? Because less than a hundred pages of substance is diluted by over two hundred pages of anecdotes, Reader's Digest-style self evaluations and study guides. Not that any of those were bad, but they distracted from the real material.
Still, a good read.
March 10, 2014
Mr. McGee is a super-smart guy who conveys his message well. That alone warrants four stars. And he certainly offers readers five stars' worth of Jesus. However, given that I actually felt LESS significant and even MORE condemned AFTER reading it, I can only cough up a three-star rating. It's awesome that McGee's book has seemingly helped so many people. But for me, I walked away from the experience learning only that, no matter what, even when I'm right -- I'm wrong.
December 18, 2022
I slogged 3/4 of the way through this when I decided that life’s too short to keep reading something that’s not inspiring or enlightening me. There’s plenty of scripture but the theology of just trusting Jesus more doesn’t line up with my personal experience and felt trite and overly simplistic.
March 30, 2007
I read this book with five other women in Mercywalk and it was a true healing process. I need to read it again.
March 6, 2012
Life-changing potential! Great book to read, study and re-read.
June 22, 2018
A powerful book! :)
May 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this perspective from McGee. The book is fairly simple in that it covers 4 main areas of false belief about ourselves that we so often operate out of. He then outlines the corresponding core fears associated with these; fear of failure, rejection, punishment, and hopelessness.
What was really encouraging was not only diagnosing these areas but then reading the familiar truths about Gods response to these; justification, reconciliation, propitiation, and regeneration.
Overall the book was helpful in learning to live by Gods truth and to dwell in Christ’s work on the cross. There were parts that were a little vague, repetitive and maybe lacked some theological depth. Would give the book a 4/5 for its relevancy on the issue of believing in Gods promises and 3/5 for the information it gave. Would definitely recommend it for the truths it provided about God’s response to our fears by sending Christ in our place so that we would be fully approved, known, loved, and filled with hope in Him.
What was really encouraging was not only diagnosing these areas but then reading the familiar truths about Gods response to these; justification, reconciliation, propitiation, and regeneration.
Overall the book was helpful in learning to live by Gods truth and to dwell in Christ’s work on the cross. There were parts that were a little vague, repetitive and maybe lacked some theological depth. Would give the book a 4/5 for its relevancy on the issue of believing in Gods promises and 3/5 for the information it gave. Would definitely recommend it for the truths it provided about God’s response to our fears by sending Christ in our place so that we would be fully approved, known, loved, and filled with hope in Him.
December 15, 2024
Wow, this book was exactly what I needed. I think I’ve always wrestled with the belief that desiring significance/self-worth is bad. But we are created with a need for both and if we ignore that, we will find ourselves searching in the wrong places. We are designed to be significant to God. This book shows you how to replace the lie that self-worth=performance + other peoples opinions to what self-worth and significance truly looks like in God’s eyes. It lays out foundational biblical truths that are harder to ponder, like justification, sanctifications, propitiation, etc in easy to understand ways that teach us to rise above the false security of performance and people pleasing to a higher plane, a secure place. This book gave words, truth, and guidance to my pain points that have kept me stuck in lies in ways many other books on the topic haven’t. I’d highly recommend it for anyone who is stuck in the bad habit and false thought that their value comes from peoples opinions and performance.
October 5, 2024
I listened to the abridged version of this on Audible. This is an excellent application of Biblical principles to healthy psychology. I especially liked how he showed that God's forgiveness, redemption, etc. help us overcome fear, shame, guilt, etc. He gives practical examples. The audio version is by McGee himself, and his voice is clear and encouraging.
I'm sure I will listen to this again from time to time.
I'm sure I will listen to this again from time to time.
May 7, 2020
Incredible, straight forward truth in this book.
August 7, 2021
Wonderful reminder of God’s complete love for us!
February 21, 2022
Read it once before in my early 20s - significant difference between there and mid-30s
Wonderful book, significantly help with understanding and how to practically avoid struggles
Wonderful book, significantly help with understanding and how to practically avoid struggles
May 26, 2022
Read this with a men's bible study group.
It was a very fruitful read for me, helping me understand the role shame played in my destructive behavior and showing me a path forward.
It was a very fruitful read for me, helping me understand the role shame played in my destructive behavior and showing me a path forward.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews