The Problem with #Perfection

Are you a #perfectionist? 

Let’s find out if perfectionism is an issue for you. Here are a few statements for you to consider (retrieved September 19, 2012 from the Centre for Clinical Interventions):

	True	Somewhat True	Somewhat False	False
Nothing good comes from making mistakes
I must do things right the first time
I must do everything well, not just the things I know I’m good at
If I can’t do something perfectly then there is no point even trying
I rarely give myself credit when I do well because there’s always something more I could do
Sometimes I am so concerned about getting one task done perfectly that I don’t have time to complete the rest of my work.

If you have answered most of the above questions with True or Somewhat True, then perfectionism might be something you want to work on.

The problem with striving for perfection is we end up never feeling good enough. As a result, we miss out on enjoying life because our focus is on getting things done or trying to look like we’ve got it together. Dr. Scott Barfoot of Dallas Theological Seminary points out, “Perfectionism is the mental habit of formulating ideal standards that we demand ourselves to meet in order to prove to ourselves, to others, and to God our worth.” Unfortunately, it all boils down to our own self-worth. Perfectionist thinking says, “If I’m perfect then I am worth loving.” Peel back the layers, we find shame. “If you saw me for who I really am then you wouldn’t love me.” So, we work harder and try to perfect ourselves. Dr. Barfoot explains, “Perfectionism is at the root of a works-based faith.”  We were created for love and belonging. But the more we perfect the more we miss out on connecting and loving one another.

Watch this 5 minute video of Brené Brown talking about perfection.

Is this hitting home for you?  The Centre for Clinical Interventions has a great 9 module self-help series called Perfectionism in Perspective.  If you struggle with perfectionism, I encourage you to work through the series. 

Verse of the week

Our women's group at church is focusing on scripture memory for the year. Our pastor's wife, Sherree, has called it "Live it 52." I am finding that every verse, I mean EVERY verse, has been meaningful and perfect for the week. I don't know how she picked 'em, but she did a great job. I guess the lesson is that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16 & 17, NIV).

Well, this week's verse is Psalm 32:8:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" (NIV).

Again, this verse is just the encouragement I've needed this week. This is my last week of work and although, I believe I'm doing the right thing (stepping away). It's a little scary. Did I tell you that the job is now full time with benefits? Yes, full medical, dental and vision. Oh, and it pays about what I made at my old job plus room for a few raises (not boasting, but I did pretty well at my last job). Yet, I did not quit my old job to work as a program coordinator. I left to follow God's calling to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. So, that is what I am doing.

God WILL watch over me. He WILL counsel me. He WILL teach me the way I should go. Thank you, God for this opportunity to step out in faith and serve you. You are my comfort and source of strength.

It's either this or that way

I'm in grad school. I'll be finishing as soon as I complete all my internship hours. Recently, I took a big leap of faith and resigned my position working for the Baker County School District so I could focus on my internship at First Baptist Church Jax FBCJAX This leap was fraught with a complexity of emotions. I was listening to Enya's "Anywhere Is" and I could identify with the lyrics.

I took the turn and turned to
Begin a new beginning
Still looking for the answer
I cannot find the finish
It's either this or that way
It's one way or the other
It should be one direction
It could be on reflection
The turn I have just taken
The turn that I was making
I might be just beginning
I might be near the end.

Can you relate?

Well, this week I've been buoyed by some great verses:
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (NIV).
Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

May God give you encouragement, too, as you face the many turns that take you "either this or that way."