Perfectionism. The world always tells us to point out up as our greatest selves, leaving little room for mistakes or vulnerability. As Christians, we face an added layer of pressure, knowing that Scripture says, “Be perfect, due to this fact, as your Heavenly Father is ideal” (Matthew 5:48).
This can lead us right into a relentless cycle: setting impossibly high standards, striving to satisfy them, after which falling short. Each failure feeds into self-pity or loathing, and the one way we all know how you can escape is by climbing yet one more ladder of unreachable expectations. Sound familiar?
Why We Struggle
At our core, we’re flawed beings. As Christians, we understand that our sinfulness is why we want Christ in the primary place. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall in need of the glory of God.” The truth is, God never expected us to be perfect in our own strength. From the very starting, He designed us to seek out completion in Him. Jesus says in John 15:5, “I’m the vine; you might be the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you’ll bear much fruit; other than me, you may do nothing.”
This is why grace exists. Through Jesus Christ, God prolonged a present we could never earn – an ideal Saviour who fulfilled what we never could. His sacrifice paid for our sins, and thru Him, we’ve got the chance to grow to be whole. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, in order that in Him, we would grow to be the righteousness of God.”
But at the same time as redeemed believers, there remains to be work to be done. The excellent news? This transformation is just not ours to realize alone.
Grace, Not Perfectionism
The Holy Spirit plays an important role in our spiritual journey. He intercedes for us, filling up our inadequacies by cleansing and refining us from the within out (Romans 8: 26 and John 14: 26). It’s not about striving to satisfy inconceivable standards on our own, it’s about continually going to Christ to have our “feet washed,” (John 3:16) as He instructed His disciples. Titus 3:5 says “…He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
This mindset – that we must do something flawlessly to earn love or rewards – is rooted in Satan’s worldly lies. It fosters self-reliance and arrogance, making us forget that all the pieces we’ve got achieved is by the grace of God.
But here’s the attractive reality: God’s love has no conditions. He embraces us, flaws and all, and His grace is freely given. It is crucial to keep in mind that there may be nothing we could ever do to earn God’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 say, “For it’s by grace you’ve gotten been saved, through faith – and this is just not from yourselves, it’s the gift of God – not by works, in order that nobody can boast.”
The Call to True Perfection
When Jesus calls us to be perfect (Matthew 5:48), it’s not a requirement for self-made excellence. Instead, it’s an invite to permit God’s perfection to shine through us. We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in our weakness. This happens after we love Him with all our heart. How? By:
- Seeking to know His word deeply.
- Giving room for His Holy Spirit to mould you closer to the right image of Christ through consistent prayer.
- Allowing yourself to be filled by and live out God’s grace through mentorship, fellowship, and servitude with other believers.
The more we depend upon God’s grace, the more we desire to obey Him. And as we obey, we learn to lean much more on His grace – a good looking, continuous cycle.
Embrace Vulnerability
It’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to feel weak. Mistakes aren’t the enemy; they’re reminders of our need for God’s love and forgiveness. True perfection isn’t about flawless performance – it’s about fully accepting the grace of God and letting Him perfect us through His Spirit. Remember, with God, we are able to surpass all standards and expectations. All the abilities, talents, and positions that we’ve got been blessed with are all meant for use to glorify God’s perfection. This is how we break free from the chains of perfectionism. Let go of the pressure to realize on your personal.
