The Bible tells us that it is to the weak that God gives strength. Also, Jesus calls the weary to come to Him, not the perfect, not the strong. It’s with humility that we overcome the pressure of perfectionism because being perfect is not required to be used by God. In Mark 2:17, Jesus says:
“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17 ESV)
Perfectionism causes us to miss out on God’s grace, peace and rest. Perfection can never be attained on this side of eternity, and our efforts towards perfectionism are endlessly exhausting. We’re running a race for which there is no finish line and where we can never win.
Instead of perfectionism what should we aim for is Godly excellence. Emphasis on God. We don’t need to aim for perfection, but instead place our faith in our perfect God. When Godly excellence is our goal, there is no pressure but grace, no rush but patience, no judgment but love. Today, I encourage you to exchange perfectionism for God’s gift of grace.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to surrender perfectionism to You and receive the free gift of grace that You offer me. Help me to depend on You greater for all that I need and rely on Your strength and not my own. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.