Is it better to be loved because you are perfect? Or loved despite your imperfections?
So often I feel the pressure to be perfect:
- Perfect mother;
- Perfect wife;
- Perfect friend;
- Perfect employee, and the list goes on!
It’s tiring and absolutely exhausting. Not only this, it is also incredibly distracting which does not help my efforts to be perfect, I stumble and fall whenever I strive to move forward while constantly looking in the rear-view mirror. Even in Scripture we are told that “no-one is righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). That’s right, not even Mary Poppins!
If no-one can be perfect – what makes me think that I can be perfect?
Through thinking over the stresses that seeking perfection causes, I wonder if it is worth the cost?
Perfection seeking can lead to:
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Addictions;
- Failed relationships – personal and work related;
- Utter despair which can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.
So it is not achievable and comes at a high cost – not a wise investment if you ask me!
So what gives me hope despite not being perfect?
Romans 5:8 sums it up nicely. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
It means much more to me that I am loved despite my flaws, as that shows I am a real person of value. This also means that you are too.
I am still loved despite my flaws; and you know what?
- My daughter still loves me;
- As does my husband;
- I still have friends and family in relationship with me;
- I love my field of employment;
- And I have an identity that I continue to desire to grow and nurture into a person of excellence.
Looking at these points, I can see that I have everything perfectionism promises, though never delivers. What’s more, I can breathe, relax, and enjoy this life on earth.
It means much more to me that I am loved despite my flaws, as that shows I am a real person of value. This also means that you are too.
Do yourself a favour and stop seeking perfectionism, rather strive for excellence.
What areas do you find yourself seeking perfectionism? Share in the comments your plans to change direction!