The dictionary definition of perfectionist is, "a person who demands perfection of himself, herself, and others". Whether you believe it or not, we are all in some way a perfectionist. However today I want to talk to the die-hard, full fledge, perfectionist. Whether it's shown in your academic life or your relationships, wanting perfection bleeds into every part of our lives. I can say "our" because I'm one of them. Not so much when it comes to school (don't worry mom and dad, I still do my homework) but more in my relationships with others and my relationship with Christ. For most of my life I didn't realize this about myself. However coming to college opened my eyes to a way that I had been living. I tend to let my perfectionist mind-set transfer into my relationships. When someone close to me messes up or fails me I tend to look down on them more than I should. I put expectations that I can't even reach myself on my friends and family. Along with that, I hold myself up to a high standard of perfection. I grew up in a Christian home and learned the Sunday school list of "do" and "do nots". I quickly thought that I just had to simply follow these rules and everything would be perfect. When in reality, that's not the case at all. As a perfectionist, when I sin, (which is often) I allow it to weigh me down like a ton of bricks. Just like I look down upon my friends more than I should, I do the same to myself. It's hard for me to truly live in Gods grace. To really believe in my head and in my heart that God loves me regardless.
BUT
Perfectionist, there is a higher quality of life waiting for us. There is a freedom that we can grab onto if we just look in the right place. We no longer have to live a life demanded by the expectations we put on ourselves. Jesus died on the cross plain and simple. God knew we would sin so He sent His son for you and me. He did this so that we could live an imperfect life without suffering the consequences. With Jesus we have freedom in our failures that satisfies deeper than any amount of perfection. We have the pleasure of serving a God who looks beyond our scarlet letter and makes us white as snow. We get to be loved by a God who loves our messy lives. I too easily forget the beauty of the cross. I find myself becoming busy with work in hopes to be perfect and earn Gods love. But praise The Lord that we don't have to live that way. I myself, need to be reminded that Jesus' death on the cross is enough. And not just enough but more than enough. The cross changes everything. It changes our lives from being work driven to grace given.
So perfectionist, lets let go of our expectations and hold fast to the freedom found in our fathers love. Lets become overwhelmed with the beauty of the cross and by Gods grace, may we never lose the wonder of His mercies.
