Episode #4: The Perfectionism Trap

Devotions & Word-Spirations with LaShanda Lewis

2 Corinthians 12:9 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. I used to think that being a Christian meant perfection was the goal and admitting that you failed daily in some way meant just that, you were a failure in the eyes of Jesus. As if the entire day or effort didn’t matter because you failed at one thing. Have you ever been apart of a group of friends or click that boasted of their perfect lives and perfect faith and perfect kids or whatnot but they never really spoke on their mistakes or their humanity or in other words reality? Well, I have and when I was young in the faith I found myself in a group of people like this. They painted a false picture of true Christianity and faith That I couldn’t live up to. The Word says God Grace is sufficient for us and HIS power is made perfect in our weakness. Let’s be real, we are human and we fall short daily but we aren’t supposed to rely on ourselves to get it right all the time anyway. We are supposed to rely on GOD! There are so many times in the bible where Jesus encountered someone that sinned and had an ailment that needed healing he healed them and told them to go and sin no more. He displayed a heart of forgiveness toward them. Ok, so let’s talk about perfect timing and perfectionism. Perfectionism- a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection. There was a moment in time I, which was more recent than I’d like to admit, I wanted to wait on releasing music because I figured hey let me wait until I can be more fluent before I do that or let me wait until I could sing these notes perfectly because if someone hears me stutter once or sing-off pitch its over for me. I mean yes, of course, you want to make sure what you put out in the world is acceptable. BUT I was going for perfection? Tuh! The truth of the matter is If you’re waiting on perfection nothing will ever get done. So, I want to encourage you, while you’re looking at everyone else’s highlight reel on social media. Remember EVERYONE has days where they fall short and miss the mark. God isn’t going to banish you to hell because He knows your humanity. Rely on Him and He can strengthen you. And another thing if you were like me and waiting on “perfect Conditions” just know nothing and no one is perfect. Be obedient and go for that thing that is in your heart that the Lord is tugging on you to do. Even if you feel you aren’t fully equipped Embrace this growth journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lashanda-lewis/support