Overcoming Perfectionism: You Can't Do It All

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." Col. 3:23

By: Carol McClain @carol_mcclain

Our church has formed a woman's group we call Tea At Two. Our social was formed, in part, to create friendships among its members. In our socialization, we use our gifts to minister to our community.  It meets twice a month.  This week we're putting together goody bags for the police officers.

Tea At Two

I'm not going. 

And in my perfectionist state, I feel a little guilty. However, by attending, I'm spreading myself too thin (if only that resulted in weight loss!) I know my calling and am learning my limitations.

In some churches, my attitude would be condemned. (And in the past, it had been). The project is worthy. It's church sanctioned. Most of my friends--and certainly, those who form the leadership foundation--will attend.

Nevertheless, I'm not going.

We're each given twenty-four hour days and a limited number of gifts  Mine are in mentoring, writing and glass work. My calendar is full. To attend, even though it's a good fellowship and people want me there, would weaken what God has called me to do.

The above Scripture says "Whatever you do." It doesn't say, do it all.

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In your life, remember, you can't do it all. God does not require that. (click to tweet)

Know your calling. Work at it. Enjoy it. You're not asked to do it all. (click to tweet)

Be Ye (Im) Perfect: We Don't Have to be Perfect

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Mat. 5:48

This verse tormented me for years. Perfect? Not possible, not for me, but believe me, I tried.

Perfection takes a lot of work

The first church I belonged to demanded this of me. Still, no matter how much effort I put into being perfect, I never fit their mold. If I showed my emotions--I was too histrionic. Controlling my feelings made me cold. Questioning a doctrine categorized me as not having faith, but following things blindly tormented my conscience.

I would read verses like Matthew 5:48, or 1 Peter 1:16, and strive more and more to be as holy as God.

The verse found in Mt. 11: 30 stating our burden was light, the yoke easy further condemned me. I found no peace in perfectionism. The burden was too hard for me to bear.

Then I discovered I did not have to be perfect. I did not have to conform to someone's notion of a Christian woman. I just had to be me.

Not my our works
of righteousness

I discovered the scandal of grace. 

We cannot be perfect. It's not by our works of righteousness that grant us heaven, that give us serenity on earth. It's Jesus Christ.

The point of Matthew 5: 48, my tormenting scripture, is that perfection is not a human potential. Only one being ever attained God's perfection: God Himself in the form of Jesus. Ergo--Impossible for humans.

Holiness is not ours. It's His.

And the New American Standard Version of 1 Peter 1:16 says "You shall be holy; for I am holy." (emphasis mine).

And that emphasis holds the key. We are not perfect on our own--only in Jesus. You shall be because...

Of course, as we follow Jesus, we

 "shall be holy" more and more as we abide in him. However, when we die, He's not going to point out how we failed. He's going to say to us, "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Have you struggled with the weight of perfectionism? What has it done to you? Do you want to be set free? How does that happen or how have you conquered it?

Come join me as we discover how much we're loved.