Thursday, May 26, 2011

Do You Live on Perfect Lane?

'If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?'  Hebrews 7:11



Do you struggle with perfectionsim?  Just swing by my house and you'll see from the utter chaos that this is one thing I do not have a problem with!  What is perfectionism anyway?  My first thought is that it's the desire to have everything around you 'perfect'.  According to good ol' Webster, this is correct, but there is a second definition I found to be very intriguing:

A doctrine holding that religious, moral, social, or political perfection is attainable, esp. the theory that human moral or spiritual perfection should be or has been attained

Hmmm....sounds a little like a God-complex, huh?  I'm pretty sure the bible tells us that no man is perfect except one...and it's not you or me.  I am so glad He doesn't expect me to be perfect!  As I said earlier, I am definitely not a perfectionist, but I know of several people who are.  I think they are some of the most unhappy, tired, and grumpy folks that I know.  They are continuously striving to have every single thing (and sometimes their children too) around them in perfect order.  Everything.

If we know that reaching perfection here on this earth is impossible, then why do we try to do it?  Control issues?  Obsessive-compulsive disorders?  I really don't know.  I feel for those who have the overwhelming desire to be perfect.  They aren't gonna get there, not in the human realm.  What do you do if this person is you?  All I can say is to take it to God.  Ask Him to show you the reasons behind your desire to obtain perfection.  When He does, commit to working with Him on getting over the bondage of perfectionism.  Come on over to the other side and join the 'non-perfectionist' group...it's a perfectly un-perfect place to be!



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6 comments:

Eileen said...

I used to struggle with perfectionism a lot. It's definitely a control issue. Now I am content being imperfect. God loves me and finds me beautiful flaws and all! :)

Unknown said...

Perfectionism is not my issue either. :) But I have struggled with being good enough. Now I'm learning to embrace my weirdness and give it all to God.

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

I'm in the same boat as Eileen on this one. I used to be very focused on everything being in order and under control as much as possible, all of the time. Thankfully, although I still do tend to try and maintain some semblance of order in my life, I'm not ruled by it anymore. I've found that allowing God's desires for me to alter my path, even the things that would have driven me crazy in the past are put into their proper perspective. :-)

Great Post!

Have a Blessed Day!

Caroline said...

I agree that it's a control issue too. I can be too controlling about certain aspects of my life. But, when I am, I am out of fear. And I'm too concerned with me - my results, my actions. What's needed to just focus on HIM. Thanks for your thoughts on the Faith Jam.

Mama Mpira said...

I like the idea of joining a 'non-perfectionist' group - we definitely need to encourage each other!

Shanda said...

I actually wish I were a bit more of a perfectionist in some ways as my home can get pretty messy. But I am also thankful I am not ruled by it and can serve God in my own way.