How Not to Be Your Own Worst Enemy | Week 2
How not to be Your Own Worst Enemy
Discussion Guide - Pay Attention to Your Narratives
We can talk ourselves into anything. Our internal narratives justify our beliefs as well as our actions. But, when those narratives are not true, they lead to destructive thoughts and behaviors. We can choose to carry around false but comfortable narratives—or we can look to destroy them.
Discussion Questions
Did you grow up with a narrative you had to correct later in life? Was it related to one of these? Or something else?
Money • A Class of People • Religion • Education
What destructive narratives do you catch yourself leaning into now? Where did they come from?
How did you discover that a narrative you have may be flawed? Has someone confronted you with it?
Read Matthew 7:24–29
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
What stands out to you?
Read verse 26 again:
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
What key words stand out and why?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5–6
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
Notice the aggressive language Paul uses regarding how we should treat the false narratives we tell ourselves.
How aggressive are you at uncovering and looking to demolish your false narratives?
Name one narrative or argument you need to demolish. How does it contrast with the invitation to follow Jesus?
How would your life change if you changed the narrative you just mentioned?
Changing Your Mind
False narratives can’t be dealt with mildly. According to the apostle Paul, they must be attacked. We should be ready to react swiftly and strategically when old narratives resurrect themselves. Are you willing to make the following commitment? I will demolish every internal narrative that conflicts with the value system introduced by Jesus.