Faith Filled Fridays - Perfection

What does it mean to be perfect? 

It doesn't mean anything. We literally can't be. 

Let that sink in.

What  a relief right? Our culture is so immersed with making the perfect little Pinterest crafts (guilty for trying here), having the best grades, being number one in your sport, while at the same time managing a flawless social calendar and physical appearance. Why so much pressure?

Perfectionism is idolatry. We put way more weight on how we are perceived by the world (social media, friend circles, etc) and trying to conform to a certain "image" of what we think the perfect person is and it is usually rooted in worldly success as well.

What would it look like if we relinquished this feeling of needing to be perfect for the world and found our identity in Christ and being perfect in His image.

I read a book, "Shaping the Spiritual Lives of Students" by Richard R. Dunn for my intern program with InterVarsity. Here is what Dunn has to say: "We are rooting our identity in what we can do rather than in who we are in him. To do this is to practice idolatry. Living to gain approval in order to fight down our sense of shame holds our souls captive. The positive feedback of others rather than the unconditional love of God becomes the true lord of our life."

This is something I definitely struggle with. Perfect grades in high school, homecoming queen, overly involved in activities. Trying to do it all. You want affirmation and praise that you've done a good job, or of course your hair looks great, or wow we couldn't have pulled that program off without your hard work and dedication! But is it enough?

It will never be enough.

Today is the birthday of a sweet little girl I know who committed suicide not too long ago. She was 5 years younger than me and almost like a little sister (since I'm the only girl). She literally seemed perfect. She was such a little spit-fire and honestly loved life. So why oh why would she take her life? We still can't make sense of it, but who knows the pressure she felt to conform to the standards we set for ourselves. It's not fair and it's not possible! As I remember her today, I am reminded that it's only through Christ we are who we are. And we are perfect in Him, not the world.

So can we all just agree to stop pushing each other to perfection? Of course there is value in working hard and achieving accomplishments, but when we slow down and experience God's presence in our daily lives and the enjoyment of community without comparison or perfectionism, we can all be a little better for it. Dunn also talks about being authentic in who we are. He says, "Being authentic, however, has become my only known path of freedom." 

Perfectionism may not be something you struggle with as well, but whatever it may be, free yourself from it by being honest and authentic.

Now, to add a little bit of humor to this post, I have to tell y'all a story. I had already planned on writing about struggling with perfectionism this morning, but guess what happened? When I was making oatmeal for breakfast, my glass bowl literally broke in half. Like legitimately in half in the microwave. I was cracking up! Who knows how or why it happened, but it was a good reminder that that is life. Even bowls can't live up to their standards...geez I just wanted some oatmeal haha! Anyways, I thought y'all would enjoy this picture and get a good laugh.

Happy Friday!

XoXo,

Southern Saving Grace