Perfectionism?

I’ve struggled with it over the years. It’s bad and can make you, and those around you, miserable. Unrealistic pressure and unresolved guilt accompany it. Do we pursue it because we fear the malaise of mediocrity?

Many wrap perfectionism in a desire to please a perfect God. Certainly we are not encouraged by God to lead sloppy, sinful lives. What are we to think? John Wooden said this.

"Perfection is what you are striving for, but perfection is an impossibility. However, striving for perfection is not an impossibility. Do the best you can under the conditions that exist. That is what counts."

The bottom line is that we rest securely in the forgiving grace of a loving God, striving to live a life that brings glory to him. Strive to be perfect, but please don’t be a perfectionist. There is a big difference.

Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. The free gift of God’s grace makes all of us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. (Romans 3:23,24)

Work hard all day (and all week) to do your best, and then rest well at night, resting in the grace of a God who loves you more than you can comprehend.