I have a confession to make: it is easy for me to slip into perfectionistic thoughts and self-expectations.
But in reality, when I have these thoughts, they reveal significant implications. Let me illustrate with a few examples:
I should be able to avoid mistakes.
Implication: I am thinking that I am omniscient (no limits to my abilities).I should be able to control situations.
Implication: I am thinking that I am omnipotent (no limits to my power).I should be able to get everything done on my to-do list.
Implication: I am thinking that I am omnipresent (no limits to my time and presence).
Summarizing all of this, the root of the problem is that I am actually thinking that I am like God (who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent).
Let’s look at the corresponding truths that displace these perfectionistic thoughts (which are really lies):
I should be able to avoid mistakes (a lie). But the truth is:
God does not condemn me for my mistakes.
Romans 8:1 NASB Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.As humans, we all make mistakes.
James 3:2a AMP For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things.When I fail, I am to remember that I am God's child, and then get up.
Proverbs 24:16 HCSB Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.Our efforts at perfection will achieve limited results.
Psalms 119:96 NIV To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.
I should be able to control situations (a lie). But the truth is:
God is sovereign. He has everything in control, and I do not.
Hebrews 1:3a NASB And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Psalms 135:6 HCSB [God] does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the depths.Life is not easy. Many things are not in my control. The world brings me many trials and distresses. But Jesus brings me His peace.
John 16:33 AMPC I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
I should be able to get everything done on my to-do list (a lie). But the truth is:
Although I have special God-given gifts, I need to view myself accurately, as God views me, and not with an inflated or proud view of myself. I have limits on my time and my presence.
Galatians 6:3-4 HCSB For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (4) But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else.Seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, which will help us focus on our top priorities.
Matthew 6:33 AMPC But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
“But if God isn’t calling us to be perfect, what is He calling us to be? In a word, excellent. God calls all His followers to live a life of excellence, not perfection.”
Philippians 4:8b NASB If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.Colossians 3:23 AMPC Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. [In other words: work with excellence.]
So, how do excellence and perfection differ from each other?
Realistic (excellence) versus Idealistic (perfection). Perfection says, “I should have…”
Process-minded versus Product-minded. For people of excellence, the joy is in the journey, not the destination.
“My best” versus “the best”
Worth in being an image bearer (“remarkably and wonderfully made”) versus worth in performance
Keep trying versus giving up. People of excellence get discouraged but don’t give up.
Welcoming feedback versus resisting it. The goal of excellence is not to be perfect but simply to get better. And feedback helps to get better.
Correcting mistakes versus stewing over them.
Thank You, Jesus, that you said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) O God, when we find ourselves thinking one of these lies, please bring to our mind the corresponding biblical truths that will displace the lie and lead us to the freedom that You have designed for us to walk in – by the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”