Out of all the “isms” why is perfectionism one that can be so frustrating, defeating, and even dangerous? We live in a world with standards that are not of God, but why are we so compelled to think that we must “perfect” what the world demands of us?
The Cause And Issue
Perfectionist often are made to be ones. Often because of being in an environment that demands “perfection.” Which, in most cases is the whole world. Religion, business, work, secular all indeed demand a “perfect” behavior, perfect decisions, perfect understanding, perfect this, that and there! Whether they want to confess that or not…
What then happens, is the person who is in a perfectionism atmosphere and does not understand the truth, they will succumb to the lie of trying to be perfect. Not only that, but also the lie that if you “perfect” those standards, you are “perfect.” Living in this lie of perfectionism in whatever area of life is defeating, simply because the truth always comes around. It comes around to remind us that, “WE ARE NOT PERFECT.” And, then we feel defeated, and continue to drive even more toward perfection. Rather than acknowledge our flaws and continue on humbly, a perfectionist will be consumed by flaws. And this consummation will lead to worry, anxiety, distress, selfish-ambition, deceit, and boasting.
Perfectionism Is An Illusion
The whole concept of being perfect according to the world and religion, is an illusion. Perfect image, behavior, and what not is all an illusion. Jesus Christ of Nazareth was completely perfect to God, and perfected all that God asked of Him. But, what about the world toward Him? They insulted Him, beat Him, betrayed Him, and killed Him. This is to reveal to us, that the world’s standards (religion is part of the world) and ideas of perfection do not align with God’s idea of perfection.
And, indeed even before God we are not perfect, only Christ. And, it’s only by Christ do we have a chance of being “perfect.” When the Scriptures talk about being “perfect” it should be noted NOT as in behavior or image, but as in “whole, complete, full” or “mature.”
Only God can achieve perfection by His work of salvation through Jesus Christ His Son by His Holy Spirit! There’s nothing we can do to be perfect!
Then, How Do We Behave?
The Apostle Paul said, “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (2 Co 15:9-10).
If anyone knew anything about imperfection, it was Paul as revealed here. But, he did not have an attitude of despair, anger, or fear for not being perfect, but he humbly moved forward with God’s grace. And this is how it should be for us: the grace of God is greater than our imperfections. And, interestingly it is our imperfections that God uses, because His “strength is made perfect through weakness” (2 Co. 12:9). And, He is the God that, “makes the weak strong” (Hebrews 11:34).
You have the freedom to be yourself, weakness, imperfections in all. That’s how you are to behave. It’s the people who embrace their weaknesses, flaws, imperfections, and mistakes before God, but proceed with Him that are made strong, flaws turned to beauty, imperfections turned into fullness, and mistakes turn into wisdom.
Beware Of Pride
“God resists the proud” (James 4:6). Even those who appear “very kind.” Many times the driving force behind a perfectionist is fear and pride. Pride, working to maintain this “perfect image” of spotless reputation according to false standards. Fear, working to keep the perfectionist in bondage to not be imperfect, or make error, or be seen as flawed.
Know, as we mention before, that God will resist any person with pride. And, the very flaws that you attempt to cover up. All the imperfections you attempt to conceal, are the very things that need exposure. Exposing imperfections is “humbling yourself.” And with that, you will receive grace from God. But, continue to be a perfectionist and you will be resisted by God.
Talk with our ministry about your imperfections, we can help you! All of us are far away from perfectionism. And have been through it ourselves. There’s no shame we have toward you and your imperfections…
Spiritual Warfare Library of PSM 
This is a very sobering post, revealing my true vain nature.
I am awfully crippled by perfectionism, pride and fear. I can see God resisting me because of this. I need to lose the worries about what people think, cut through all the selfish vanity so I can operate in a true and humble way. So then I can be a vessel who can in the future co-operate with the spirit of God.
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Most people who are vain, do not know they are vain. People who are vain have a high-minded view of their accomplishments, image, and appearance. I do not deal with vanity, but with insecurities. People who have insecurities are not necessarily vain, but they are not comfortable in their own skin, and looks.
What I realized is that I need to have a sober mind, not to high not too low. I’ve learned to not think less of myself, but think about myself less. This ministry helped me to not have negative speech about myself, and abuse myself. But, taught me to be honest with myself and have an accurate perspective with myself.
Be patient with yourself, and know that things will get better just don’t overthink.
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I thinking being a know-it-all is a prideful form of perfection. What I realized that I did not know much. A person can not learn and grow if a person is being perfect or always trying to “play it safe.”
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Yes!!!! You got it. There are no TRUE no it alls but God Himself. Being a no it all is a stab at trying to be perfect as God is perfect. Such vanity is out of our grasp as imperfect human beings that can’t even keep themselves from eventually dying. .
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