Performance orientation is a term frequently used in modern psychology to describe the belief that one’s self-worth and acceptance are based on meeting specific standards or “measuring up” to expectations. While many contemporary theorists argue that this orientation is the root of psychological and behavioral issues, a biblical perspective suggests that performance is an inescapable part of being human and accountable to God.
The Psychological Critique of Performance
Modern “pop-psychology” often identifies performance orientation as a culprit behind persistent psychological problems. This theory suggests that:
• Unconditional love from the self and others is the only way to become a better person.
• Traditional grading and shaming language should be removed to prevent people from “feeling badly” about their performance.
• Internal Guidance: Secular theorists like Carl Rogers compare the individual to a missile with an internal guidance system that knows what is best. They argue that “conditional acceptance” from others overrides this system, causing psychological harm.
The goal of this approach is to create an environment where natural goodness can surface without the “pressure” of external standards or expectations.
The Biblical Conflict: Sin and Standards
The sources argue that the “unconditional acceptance” theory is incompatible with several core biblical doctrines.
| Concept | The Psychological Theory | The Biblical Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Human Nature | Humans have an innate “natural goodness” and internal guidance. | Humans are affected by original sin; even in a perfect environment, Adam and Eve rebelled. |
| Accountability | Standards and “shaming” cause psychological damage. | God holds individuals accountable for their deeds; sin is condemned and carries consequences. |
| Feelings | No one should ever be made to “feel badly” about their behavior. | There are times when one ought to be ashamed of sinful actions to prompt repentance. |
The Bible teaches that human actions are significant. While salvation is a gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), this does not mean that performance is inconsequential or has no effect on relationships with God and others.
Why Performance is Inescapable
The idea that we can—or should—escape “performance orientation” is presented as a dehumanizing philosophy because performance counts in every sphere of life.
1. Creation Mandate: God created humans with functions and responsibilities, such as tilling the garden and naming animals. These actions had real-world consequences.
2. Societal Reality: In practical matters, performance is the basis for evaluation. An employee who does not work is fired; a student who does not study fails to learn; and a spouse who is abusive faces the breakdown of a relationship.
3. The Dilemma of Relativism: If there are no standards to avoid “feeling badly,” it becomes impossible to determine what the “right things” are. Shifting blame from the perpetrator to “society” does not change the fact of moral accountability.
The Gospel and “Good Works”
The Gospel provides a middle ground between “legalism” (earning salvation) and “antinomianism” (performance doesn’t matter). While we cannot perform well enough to earn God’s favor—which requires the atonement of Jesus—we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works“.
• Salvation: Based on grace and the “work of God,” which is believing in Jesus.
• Sanctification: The “obedience of faith” is a necessary result of a changed life.
• Judgment: The Bible consistently speaks of a final judgment where individuals are rendered according to their deeds.
The Bottom Line: Seeking total freedom from performance expectations is a “hopeless and ultimately dehumanizing philosophy” because being created in God’s image means we are accountable for our actions. Rather than trying to feel good while doing poorly, the biblical path is to find forgiveness for “bad performance” through Christ and empowerment for “good performance” through the Holy Spirit.