Overcoming perfectionism happens when we boast in our weaknesses.

Shame Rx:

Trying to be perfect will only make us feel like a reject.

Scripture:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” —2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Overcoming Perfectionism

Perfectionism is overrated. Seriously. It shames us into attempting the impossible and defeats us before we try. And what happens if someone feels they for a moment reached perfection? They now have a new benchmark they never want to fall short of.

Perfectionism is a taskmaster that defeats us as we can never truly achieve it.

Overcoming Perfectionism Through Weakness

Isn’t it funny, then, that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses? Not in our perfection, but our weaknesses. Could it be that God can be glorified when we are weak? Yes. Because as we lean on Him rather than striving in the flesh, people see Jesus and He gets all the glory.

Shame is defused when we admit our weaknesses, too.

Overcoming Perfectionism with Acceptance

Thinking that we have to be perfect defeats us before we try and crushes motivation. But being ok with failure and letting it be our tutor helps us to try again. Perfectionism is based on our performance but sanctification is based on our acceptance. We never could be perfect. Jesus knew this.

Finding motivation through imperfection

Our imperfections give us a reason to get up in the morning. We have work to do—as we abide in Christ and He accomplishes His work in us. We will not arrive on this earth, but as we press on, mistakes and all, God weaves a beautiful masterpiece.

Shame off you!

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Denise Pass

Featured Image by Carlos Muza on Unsplash