Perfection*

Perfection. Does it haunt you? Is it something you strive for but can never obtain? Is it the inner drive which propels you to be the best you can be and do the best you can do? Or does it rule you and stifle you because you can never measure up?

Does it push you to excellence?

Perfectionism can be your greatest strength or your greatness weakness. The more I learn about myself and observe other people the more I realize you need a balance in every character trait. Good things taken to the extreme can in the end be a detriment. (I'm not saying be complacent and luke warm - be passionate - but don't let the means over rule your end goal. In this case, the end goal is to be like Christ.) I don't know what to call this inner need or drive we have toward perfectionism. It seems some people have very little of it, while others are consumed by it.

Recently a friend shared he struggled so much with wanting to be able to do everything to perfection that in the end he does nothing at all because he can never measure up. I struggle with that too. I can't do it so why try? Why try? Because we can learn and by learning can give God the glory! When we fall flat on our faces - we no longer obstruct people's view of the Lord's glory! We are out of the way and where He can use us. He doesn't want our perfectionism - He wants our hearts.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1. Cor 10:31
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" Col. 3:23
He wants us to do everything to our best- for His glory and to honor Him. But sometimes I think our standards are higher than His! He simply asks for our hearts and our all, not our perfection! While praying about this the Lord led me to this scripture and it really rocked my world for a few days :
"To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless." Psalm 119:96
He tells us our perfection has boundaries and hinders us in life! But His commands are boundless and they ARE life.
"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Rom. 9:16 He also says;
"But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matt. 9:13 Non of us can measure up. Ever. If we could we would negate the very reason and purpose for Christ coming!

Does perfectionism rule you or do you use those tendencies to push yourself to work heartily as unto the Lord? When used correctly perfectionism can be channeled to produce excellence in character and work that reflects the Lord glory.

Perfectionism- To rule you or to reflect Him? That is the question.

by english on my own ....Rosimary lima*..*