Torturing Perfectionism

Haha! This one hit me like a ton of bricks right in the center of my soul.

Perfectionism! The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as: “a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable.”

Wound inflicting voice

Shamefully that definition describes me to a “T.” Anything short of my standards is unacceptable. I’ve realized that perfectionism is a torturing form of fear. I call it “Torturing Perfectionism.” Every day I have torturing thoughts. What if my website, my writing, what I say, and do are not perfect? Perfect to who? That voice is constantly torturing me for perfection. That awful voice is not the voice of God. It’s the voice of the enemy. My entire life, I’ve allowed the voice of the enemy to control the way I do things – never perfect, never good enough. That voice is there with a purpose. The enemy does not want us to succeed in anything. He wants us to fail and thrives on our weaknesses.

Practicing imperfectness

So now I am practicing not being “perfect” because I don’t want to be afraid. Being afraid is what I need to be afraid of, not God’s love and guidance. I am embracing who I am with all my faults. My mistakes don’t define who I am. God’s love, and the love I show the world with all my imperfections and brokenness, is what defines me. As long as everything I do aligns with God’s word, then I am perfect in His love, not in my ways. It is such a relief to leave the weight of perfectionism to our Perfect God and not carry it on my shoulders.

Good enough to be you

My advice to all you perfectionists out there, shut off the voice telling you you’re not good enough. Instead, turn on the voice of God. He made you good enough to be you.

Prayer:

Father, we take courage knowing you are the Perfect One and that You are always beside us. Help us to shut down the busy chatter in our heads and to hear Your sweet, loving voice. May we walk in confidence knowing we are good enough because of Your perfect love for all of us. Thank you for taking my burdens, including my torturing perfectionism. We pray through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen