I, like so many others I know, are recovering perfectionists. I have a number of ideas as to the origin of my perfectionism but the overwhelming thought I had for most of my life was that I needed to achieve and perform perfectly because as Ricky Bobby most eloquently put it, “if ya ain’t first you’re last”
The need to do things perfectly drives so many of us. And while excellence is God-honoring, worshiping perfection is not. One of the dangerous beliefs that I’ve encountered (and experienced) is the idea that I can only do things (or try things) that I am (or will be) really good at. And because I fear not being perfect I don’t try. Which is, according to 1 Corinthians, not how it works. It’s not how God works.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. – 1 Corinthians 1: 27-29 (NIV)
I heard a pastor say it best as God doesn’t call the equipped…he equips the called. Remember that the next time you’re called to do something that is out of your comfort zone or something that you think you might not be good at. You never know what God could be preparing you for.
Embrace your imperfections and call on God to strengthen you when and where you feel weak.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so why Christ’s power may rest on me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
