Watch you have not fallen into the trap of perfectionism (See Galatians 3:3). Perfectionism is an ugly thing. It is judging yourself by how you perform. I must, I should or I could. These people are compulsive, they are driven.

1 – The ruin of perfectionism

It is a thief. Perfection is an unobtainable goal. You never know if you have done enough. If we could achieve perfection we would not need a saviour. Perfectionism results in:-

• You get angry. You are never content. You cannot live up to your standards.
• Lack of production. These people do not produce anymore than others.
• It harms others. They are intolerable of failure in other people. To them everything could be better.

People already know that you are not perfect! You will not find a perfect church. If you did you would ruin it. The perfectionist is never satisfied with things in the church. God is looking for excellence not perfectionism.

2 – The revelation of perfectionism

Are you an idealist or a realist? The perfectionist is an idealist. Those who are looking for excellence are a realist. Your answer to these questions will help you understand which one you are:-

• Do you set impossible goals for yourself and others? The perfectionist does this. See Exodus 23:29ff – The Canaanites were driven out little by little.
• Do you try to be the best or your best? The perfectionist needs to be number one. See Romans 12:3-4. Martha was a perfectionist. Jesus was more impressed by Mary’s devotion than Martha’s toil.
• Are you project-managed or process-managed? The perfectionist does not know. See Matthew 6:33.
• Do you dwell on failure or do you learn from it? See Philippians 3:15. Paul learnt from his failures. You can fail and not be a failure.
• Do you resent criticism or do you learn from it? The perfectionist wants to be loved above all things. See 1 Corinthians 4:3. A healthy person is not shipwrecked by some criticism.

3 – The ridding of perfectionism

Learn that God has already accepted you. God is not making a list of your quite times and prayers. Grace is God’s acceptance of us and faith our acceptance of God accepting us. Those who reject eternal security are often perfectionists. Learn from the life of David.

Categories: 1 Corinthians