Perfectionist

"You are not perfect and shouldn't strive to be" is the statement God has told me time and time again. The only thing I should be striving for is to get to the prize in heaven. Yes, God created us in his own image (Genesis 1:27), however we are NOT God. Yes, we should love like Him, care like Him, but to be EXACTLY like Him is nearly impossible because no one or anything is perfect except God. "With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?" (Isaiah 46:5).

It's ok when things don't turn out the way you planned, it's ok if you get let down, it's ok if expectations don't get met- it's life. Life wasn't meant to be all sweet, otherwise it wouldn't be life. Life is meant to be filled with experiences-good and bad. As an Christian you have to remember everything you go through is for a divine reason. Even Jesus had ups and downs! Yes, he healed, set free and delivered but he also suffered, got mocked, beaten, grieved, tempted- the VERY same things people go through on a DAILY. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15).

"This has to be like this/that", "It's my way or the highway," are some common phrases people make, but in reality you ultimately have no say over your life as a believer. In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. (Proverbs 16:9). So it is up to God if He allows something to work out or not. There's nothing wrong with setting standards or limits for yourself, but if it's not God's standards, then ultimately it's not the best choice. God gives discernment to separate the right from the wrong, the bad and the good. You do have to recognize God's voice over your own flesh- which is where "wanting everything to go exactly how you want" tries to sneak in.

To be perfect means to be entirely without fault or defect, satisfying all requirements (Merriam-Webster). I can guarantee that if someone asked you to tell them your flaws, you would be able to name a few. There isn't anything wrong with that! We are meant to embrace our flaws, flaws are beautiful and it makes you who you are. I may be a "crybaby" or "sensitive" at times but that's what God loves about me! If it's one person who doesn't even see your flaws, it's God! All that matters is that we are perfect in HIS eyes. He created you the way you are on PURPOSE. For you created my innermost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalms 139:13-14). God didn't make you perfect, otherwise what would be the point of Him? If we were truly perfect, would we really need Him? We need Him the most because of our flaws- He is needed for strength, guidance, encouragement, healing, forgiveness, etc. We can rely on Him to help us through our weakness. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) If there was perfection, there wouldn't be sin, therefore there wouldn't be a need for Jesus to die for our sins.

I thank God for my weakness, flaws, mistakes and broken pieces because He took them all and turned them for my greater good.

It's ok to let your guard down, to not be the one that "has it altogether", to be sad, to cry-you are human and these are the emotions God empathizes with the most. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalms 147:3). Abide by His commandments, walk by the fruits of the Spirit, live a life according to His will and He will help you in every step of your life. Be who God called you to be. Don't allow society to make you feel as if you're doing life wrong- you're not living for them. Don't conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and PERFECT will. (Romans 12:2)

2 Samuel 22:31- "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him."

Psalms 34:18- The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

2 Corinthians 12:9- 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.