Perfectionism 101

"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." -Psalm 103:10-12

I don't know about you, but I have a real problem with being a sinner. Basically, I want to be perfect - AND I want everything I am responsible for to be perfect (including my work, marriage and child). Yes - I know what you are thinking..."Gosh, her poor family!" Yes, I put a lot of pressure on them. But I also put an enormous amount of pressure on myself.

I was on the elliptical machine this morning (striving for the perfect figure), trying to figure out how to help my son be more attentive at school (to make him the perfect student) when I started praying to God for help to perfect my life and the lives of those for whom I am 'responsible'.

Just about then God interrupted me to tell me to back off of trying to do His job. A song came over my ipod and reminded me that I am not perfect - only God is perfect. It also reminded me that I am forgiven and it doesn't matter where I have been, what I have done, and what the world thinks of me (or my work, or my marriage, or my son) because God loves me even when no one else does. He even loves me when I am a complete failure.

In fact, God loves me so much that he became that perfect parent that I keep trying and failing to become. My Father God took responsibility for all my imperfections and sins upon himself; dying on a cross in order to do so. AND YOUR Father God did this for you, also.

So, if you are not a perfectionist and have no trouble acknowledging that you are a total sinner and fail everyday - than I give thanks to God for that attitude. BUT if you are like me and hate those facts, then I encourage you to read Psalm 103 on a regular basis. As the Sanctus Real song Forgiven states: "When I don't measure up to much in this life I am a treasure in the arms of Christ because I am forgiven."

Give yourself some grace. Be a beloved child of God rather than trying to be a god.

CS