The Perception of Perfection

This God—his way is perfect.

Psalm 18:30

How perfect is perfect enough? Many times we have set a standard of perfection that none of us can attain. We not only expect perfection of ourselves, but we translate that perfection to those we live and work with every day. However, the stress of maintaining the perception of perfection causes a drain on the spirit, mind, and body over time.

Only God is perfect. Jesus was the one and only perfect human being. We aren’t perfect, but we are being perfected to be more like Jesus. How do we find that place of being perfected?

P – Plan ahead as best as we can. (Proverbs 16:3)
Good planning involves a lot of praying beforehand. The Lord will show us the right way to move forward as we seek His favor.

E- Expect that not everything will go our way. (Proverbs 19:21)
God uses our setbacks and failures to help us grow in ways we can’t see in the moment. Our response to disappointments is to remain calm and faithful.

R- Remind ourselves that we are a work in progress. (Philippians 3:12)
Our weaknesses may sometimes trip us up. However, if we cling to the truths of God’s word, He will deliver and help us to get on the right path.

F- Forsake negative self-talk and the discouraging words of others. (Ephesians 5:6)
We have to let go of any words that go against what God says about us in the Bible. This takes consistent discipline of applying 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.

E- Encourage others when they have failed instead of judging them. (Galatians 6:1)
We gently correct, but speak the hard truths in love to those who’ve fallen short of their calling. Our perfecting happens as we give grace and mercy to others.

C- Connect ourselves with positive mentors and/or counselors. (Hebrews 10:25)
When we are an active part of a ministry, it’s an opportunity to give and receive grace. Our spiritual gifts are meant to edify the body of Christ.

T- Take away what we can learn from a situation to improve on it later. (Psalm 84:7)
No pain is ever wasted in the kingdom of God. He wants us to learn so that we can become stronger in our faith and be a guiding light to others who struggle in our same weaknesses.