By: Gail Armatys
I confess. I am ~ a recovering perfectionist.
It’s not that I think I’m perfect. Not by any stretch of the imagination. But, I have been known to strive for it. Perfection, that is.
Prefectionist Found Out
Somehow, it wasn’t until earlier this year that I finally realized I have been a perfectionist much of my life. This revelation surprised me. I uncharacteristically mentioned this trait to friends recently and one of the women nodded saying something like, ‘I knew that.’
I was shocked!
First, I couldn’t believe it was so apparent. Second, her statement was like an arrow that had pierced the armor this perfectionist hid her imperfections behind.
If you know anything about perfectionists, we think we run a pretty tight ship and strive to be put together and cinched up. The fact that this characteristic was apparent hit me like a wild pitch in a baseball game.
I was totally unprepared, left slightly bruised…and ultimately appreciative.
Jesus Desires Perfection…Really?
When Jesus taught the ‘Beautitudes’ he said we were to ‘be perfect’ immediately after speaking specifically about loving our enemies.
Therefore, be perfect. Just as your Father in heaven is prefect.
Matthew 5:48
Most of us would probably agree, pulling off love for our enemies might take more perfect than we’ve got…it takes Jesus’ merciful perfection in us.
That being said, the Greek translation of ‘perfect’ here means completeness, growth. An appropriate definition offered might be this.
Be that which God has designed you to be.
Sweet words to a recovering perfectionist and career encourager ~ and to you who join me in your perfectionist armor!
Be who God designed you to be! Be perfectly you!
True Story
Just before I began writing this blog with ‘perfectionism’ as a possible topic, I thumbed through my journal. The one I write scripture verses, prayers, and Holy Spirit inspiration in during my early morning time with God. This was what I found written on January, 2015:
“Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world,
pour your energy into seeking me.”
Clearly, God intended to peel back yet another perfectionist layer by leading me to I write this blog.
My prayer for you who wear your armored-up perfectionist wardrobe is that you would seek God in your moments, in your circumstances, and in your days so that you may be all God designed you to be.
Purpose Prayer
Merciful God, thank you for opening my eyes to your definition of perfection. Forgive me for armoring-up instead of seeking more of you to pour into me. Help me strive only to be that which you have designed me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Purpose Step
Write down one step you can take this week to reveal yourself ~ the true you to others. Be brave. Do it!
Listen to Your HeartSong!
The Living Room 
You must be logged in to post a comment.