Do you know any perfectionists? Aren’t they just unbearable to live with or work for?
I mean, c’mon folks, lighten up!
Must every team member score a perfect 10 for every performance or make 100% of their shots or never miss or strike out or get tired?
Must everyone in the family (including the dog) abide exactly by the agreed upon agenda and priorities for every minute of every day?
Can’t we all be winners even if we misspell the word “judgment” or can’t park exactly parallel between the parking space lines?
I see perfectionism as dangerous for two big reasons.
First, it’s an impossible task that comes with a deadly implication: you must do this for me to accept you. That’s called “works righteousness” and it’s not the basis for salvation or even loving relationships. Grace is “not by works” (Ephesians 2:9).
Second, it’s an impossible task that forgets this: nobody’s perfect except Jesus. Every decision he has ever made, and still makes, is spot on perfect. Every one of his saving acts to have mercy, every one of his parables and teachings, every one of his promises about the future, is totally complete, accurate and can’t get any better. Including when he said this, “Be perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
Wait. Is Jesus a perfectionist? Let’s say he’s a loving perfectionist or a holy Savior. Jesus once said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). See the word “perfect” there? And the words “for you” and “grace?”
The Bible teaches that “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus took your sins away. Without sins and their curse and guilt, you become “the righteousness of God.” Right. Perfect. Saved by Jesus Christ.
The Bible refers to believers in Jesus as “saints,” a word which means “holy ones.” But there’s a problem. We still sin. Well, that’s why we still need Jesus.
When Jesus said, “My power is made perfect” in our weaknesses and even in our sins, he used the same Greek word that he cried out on the cross, “tetelestai,” when he sighed, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In other words, “it is made perfect.” Complete. 100%. Score of 10. No editing or correcting needed.
That’s why I strive for perfection, because I believe that is who I have been made to be by faith in Jesus Christ. I want to be more like him!
Perhaps it’s best to say that there’s a difference between perfection and perfectionism.
PRAYER: Jesus, your perfect love and life became my sin, and I became your perfect righteousness before God. This life change is my most precious possession and gift of your grace. Make your power perfect in me today. Amen.
DIG DEEPER: Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. What does Paul boast about, and refuse to boast about?