When Perfectionism Stops You
So, I haven’t been blogging much lately and a friend asked why. Know what? I’ve got all the excuses:
“I’m just so busy. I’ve got so many plates spinning. I’ve got a toddler again.” She could see through the words.
Truth is, I don’t like doing anything I can’t do well. I struggle with perfectionism.
So, since I can’t formulate thoughts as clearly as I like, and since I compare myself to other bloggers who are really gifted with writing, and who can actually edit properly, I’ve pretty much stopped.
My friend said, “I don’t think you realize what a blessing your blog is to so many women.”
I argued, “I can’t even think anymore let alone write. And my grammar– Ugh.”
She said, “You write really well. I don’t think you know that.”
This conversation repeated with another friend last weekend at a conference, and I finally decided that maybe the Lord was using these sweet friends to tell me something. God wants faithfulness not perfection. God honors obedience not ability.
So, my friends, here I am. Mumbled, jumbled thoughts and all. Less than perfect, but willing to encourage.
I’m hard on myself. Are you? Know what? Perfectionism is a lie that will paralyze and rob you of the blessings of obedience.
How do you recognize perfectionism?
It’s usually in those of us who have high ideals. We’re hard on ourselves and strive for excellence.in.everything. You’re afraid of failure. You’re hurt by criticism. You worry too much about what others think. You believe if something can’t be done well it shouldn’t be done at all. Perfectionism is self defeating and unrealistic. It’s dreamland, honey, because nothing is perfect and we all just need to lighten up.
You know what? I don’t have to be perfect–and neither do you. Isn’t that just great and grace? The gospel comes in to save the day, yet again, in our daily walk–Jesus was perfect for me! I don’t have to be perfect, because I’m already loved, accepted, and it’s all okay because of Him.
Don’t we all need to stop waiting until life is perfect before we step out and really do what God has put on our hearts? Don’t we just need to take courage and lift palms upward and offer our here and now rather than our “As soon as I get it all together, Lord!”
Don’t we need to affirm the truth that God ordains all of our days and our meetings and that the people we serve and the opportunities He brings are not by chance?
If we wait until we all have it all together before we serve, the truth is, the body of Christ suffers and your “light” on a hill disappears.
How are you wired to serve? What gifts has God given you? What is the desire of your heart? Do you love to write, paint, or cook? Do you have the gift of wisdom, discernment, or helps?
Did you know that you don’t need permission to use those good things for God’s glory and you don’t need to wait until you’ve perfected your game?
Did you know that your imperfect words of encouragement or your invitation into a toy-strewn house for a cold glass of lemonade might be the only encouragement offered to a weary soul today.
Just do it. I am. It won’t be perfect, but it will be something. It may not be remarkable, but that’s okay.
Faithfulness not perfection. Obedience, not ability.
What has the Lord been prompting you to step out and do?
I’d love to hear in the comments!
“God wants faithfulness not perfection. God honors obedience not ability.”
Such truth!
Thank you for this reminder. I also struggle with perfectionism and not wanting to do something at all if I can’t do it well and up to my own standards. Sometimes it keeps me from writing too. Next time, I’ll remember your words!
Sarah – let me tell you how much of a blessing this blog is to me. Please don’t stop posting unless God calls you too! There are many Christian blogs out there to choose from – and I don’t have time for them all – and I choose yours. I read it faithfully. And if you only post here and there that is fine – cause if you post too much then I can’t keep up anyway!!
I am just a simple Christian wife and mom of 3 from NJ that came across your blog somehow. And it feeds my soul (along with Gods word of course) regularly. I am so blessed by who you are. You don’t need to make it perfect – I like it just the way it is and just the way you write. If there is a error in it or something now and then I don’t care. I have found myself wishing we were friends and that we could have lunch LOL. So thank you so much for being faithful to this calling God has given you!
You are such a blessing, Erin. You really are. I really appreciate all of your kind replies. I do hope we meet someday. NJ is not that far from Boston. Just saying! 🙂
This is me times 10. God has called for me to place my home on the market. I’m overwhelmed by the task because I’m trying to make my home perfect before I put the “For Sale” sign out. Pray for me to let go of perfection and walk in obedience.
I will pray for you, Maria! 🙂
Yep…this is me! I’m definitely growing in this area but it’s challenging. I also struggling with making sure I’m meeting others’ needs in love out of self-sacrifice vs. trying to do things to earn their love and approval. I’m reading Love Idol right now and it’s really good! You are definitely a blessing, Sarah, and I always look forward to your blog posts 🙂
It’s always good to check our heart’s motives. The Lord usually makes it very plain to me what I NEED to do and what I don’t need to do. Sometimes wisdom is just listening and being faithful…even if I think I can’t do something well. I think Pinterest and media feeds this insecurity. I often wonder if Ma Ingalls struggled with these things. 🙂
I needed to hear this today, Sarah. I, too, struggle with perfectionism. In fact, at times I find myself paralyzed by it. Thank you for being real with us. It encourages me to know that this is not my struggle alone, and that my service does not have to be perfect in order to bless others and to be pleasing to The Lord.
Aw, I understand this. Sometimes when we are in environments that equate perfection to goodness and holiness it can really do a job on us. It’s a grace to know that God delights in us just the way we are. 🙂 All my love to you.