Perfectionism. Some call it neurotic, while others call it routine. Whatever notions one has of perfectionism, there is something to be said about it by those who embrace it. Many who proclaim themselves perfectionists (myself included) will acknowledge that the pursuit of perfection itself is a fool's errand; one that no person can hope to attain. However, they argue the value of perfectionism lies not solely in the result, but rather in the chase. Though infallibility is unattainable, perfectionists reason that the motivation to strive for such an ideal in any endeavor will result in the best possible outcome.
And yet, despite the impossibility of perfection in all endeavors, a failure will stab at a perfectionist like a dirk. Poor performance, or even failure, at anything casts doubt upon the perfectionist's own capabilities, and will cloud their mood and judgement for a time. In times such as these, other perfectionists dare not attempt to quell an upset perfectionist's emotional flailing, for they know how inconsolable they themselves are when under such spells. For those who are familiar with these feelings, perspective tends to serve as a fast-track out of such states. In this regard, the book of Deuteronomy reminds us that failure, no matter how significant it may seem, can be redeemed through submission to the LORD and his plan for us.
With the nation of Israel sitting at the edge of Moab,
ready to enter the land promised to them in the Abrahamic covenant, Moses gives
his final speech. He forecasts Israel’s inevitable exile from the land due to
their impending failure to uphold the Mosaic covenant. However, Moses also
stated that if, once exiled, “you and your children return to the LORD your God
and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything
I command you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have
compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered
you.” (Deut. 30:2-3 NIV) This part of Moses’ speech explicitly prescribes adherence to the laws of the Mosaic covenant, but at the same time ascribes to God
all the power to return Israel to the Land. Logically speaking, following the laws
of the Mosaic covenant technically doesn’t redeem these failures. While it is true that
by obeying God’s laws, the LORD will find favor with the Israelites, it is the
LORD Himself who will gather them in the Land. Through covenant law favor is found, but it is through a return to God
that salvation is granted.
In this light, reconciling a lapse in ability, or picking up the pieces after a failure, are best done when acknowledging the lapse as proof that humanity is characterized by failure. As can be seen throughout Deuteronomy and the Bible as a whole, failure is omnipresent. In this regard, perfectionists are no exception. Humans are imperfect beings, as per our nature. However, faith can help us to reconcile this uncomfortable reality, inspiring us to grow in the wake of such a realization. In light of a failure, we could all stand to learn a thing or two about perfection from "the man upstairs."
