Perfectionism

"So be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is Perfect." Matthew 5:48




Did I ever tell you that I had an issue with perfectionism for many years? I also had OCD--obsessive compulsive disorder. Praise God, I have been delivered from them both. I chose this photo of carpet stripes to make myself laugh. Not that I laugh about any disorder--no, no, no.


I laugh about a memory I have when my kids were young. I was not able to leave my home until my carpet had vacuum stripes in it. So I used to put the kids on the porch, right where they could see mommy, and I would vacuum. I would finish and leave the vacuum at the front door until we came home. Even if I was running late, the carpets HAD to get vacuumed. Now, I know I have been set free, because I could care less about carpet stripes. And if I vacuum, it's like the miracle when Jesus turned the water into wine.


What does it mean to be like our Father, perfect? Does it mean we never slip up ever again? Does it mean that we don't have a bad thought again? If that is the case, I am doomed. I have made about ten mistakes in the last five minutes but whose counting? I almost ran the Goya truck off the road. He was going too slow, and I had to get my kid to the train station. Then I almost fell down the stairs, because I have my man's slippers on my feet, so a few cuss words almost came out. (ok, one came out---maybe two) Perfectionism is FAR from me. Trust me. I am still on the wheel, being perfected. Big difference.


The word "perfect" used in this scripture derives from the Greek word "teleios" meaning "complete", "full", or "having reached the end." In the Old Testament, this word is translated as "sound or unblemished." So where do we find our place in perfectionism? It's easy. Only in God. In God, we are full, complete, reached the end (meaning the end of us!), sound, and unblemished. God is ultimately saying, "See yourself as I, the Lord, see you." Wow.


We are to desire to be better, but He is the Potter, we are the clay. When I slipped up today, I said, "Lord, look at me. You have to help me get better." That's it. I didn't abuse myself by condemning myself to no end. What glory does that bring to God? I felt conviction, yes, but I repented and moved on. People with religious spirits will have a problem with what I just wrote. "We have to be holy, holy, holy..as God is holy." Yes, but perfectionism is not within the human capability. Holiness is. Holiness is found when we "clothe ourselves IN JESUS..His righteousness..His holiness..becomes ours." But to never make a mistake again? That is pride and arrogance for us to think that. We "perfect" ourselves by understanding we are not perfect! BUT we rest in the fact that we are COMPLETE in GOD.


Lord, I will fail you today. However, I am made "perfect" in my weaknesses. I am perfect in Christ, meaning I am whole and complete. Father, let none of my mistakes have any bearing on who I am in Jesus. Father, help me to pick myself up, dust off my mistakes, and keep moving lest I become swallowed up in self-pity and pride. I look to You, Lord, to walk with me throughout my day. I fix my eyes on Jesus, who took my imperfections, and made me whole. Amen.