a godly perspective of perfectionism

What does the Bible say about perfectionism? Does God want us to be perfect? Let’s look at scriptures that help us better understand a godly perspective of perfectionism.

Have you ever heard of “Try Harder Christianity”?

Maybe not in so many words. Even if you don’t recognize the phrase, you’ve probably felt it: the pressure to do better, work more, earn your salvation, and make God (and others) happy.

If you’ve experienced this, I’m right there with you.

Why do we feel this pressure to be perfect? Well, that’s how our society works. Again! Do better! If you hustle and strive enough, you’ll get what you deserve. And we’re led by it because it makes sense to us. It allows us to feel like we can make it on our own.

We struggle because we want to make ourselves presentable, and to hide our shame. We’ve become perfectionists, thinking that God wants us to be perfect and expects us to get ourselves there.

Signs of Perfectionism

Some of these may surprise you! Thanks to this post on perfectionism for identifying some of these.

Drive to do everything “right” and “perfectly” (the most obvious one)
Frozen by fear of failure, indecisiveness
Quitting before you start
Critical of self and others due to unrealistic standards
Low self-esteem
Crushed by defeat
Attention or approval-seeking
As for perfectionism in the church, legalism or church culture

Let’s take a look at a godly perspective of perfectionism.

Does God expect us to be perfect?

The answer, fortunately, is a resounding no. God does not expect us to claw our way to perfection; he knows we can’t.

The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming – not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. – Hebrews 10:1-2

God knows exactly where we land: Romans 5:6-8, Romans 3:23-24, and Ephesians 2:1-5 lay it out. He loved us and saved us when we were at our worst. There’s nothing we can do to affect our worth in the eyes of God.

Therefore, we don’t need to come to him put together or perfect. And like Hebrews 10 says, there’s nothing we can do to earn our salvation either.

The opposite of perfectionism and “Try Harder Christianity” is “Saved by Christ Alone.”

First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law.Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. – Hebrews 10:8-10

What does the Bible say about being perfect? Jesus makes us perfect. Read again: Romans 5:8-9, Romans 3:24, and Ephesians 2:4-5.

This is the good news! God’s grace through Jesus Christ saves us. Jesus was perfect on our behalf, and sacrificed himself on our behalf. His sacrifice allows us to reject the “try harder” mentality, perfectionism and the task-oriented lifestyle. Christ fulfills what the law can’t.

Being Made Holy

Is that it? Now that we’re perfect, there’s nothing else to do?

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. – Hebrews 10:14

Yep – made perfect forever and also being made holy. That’s where we are.

Notice how both of those aren’t things we do for ourselves. Made perfect. Being made holy. It’s all God, working in us.

So we can give up the hamster wheel. Instead, we walk in step with God daily. Not showing off or tallying our accomplishments, but abiding with him. Participating in the process, without being so worried about our progress.

Another scripture that sums this up so beautifully is Philippians 2:12-13 – we “work out” our salvation with “fear and trembling”, but God is the one working in us to cleanse and refine us. Also, Romans 12:1-2 – we choose to be “a living sacrifice” – that’s how we live a life of worship and thanks for the grace gifted to us by God.

How do you go about dealing with perfectionism as a Christian?

Do these scriptures on a godly perspective of perfectionism affect your perspective at all? What scriptures help you battle perfectionism in your relationship with God?

Photo Credit –

1 – Vince Fleming on Unsplash

2 – Serrah Galos on Unsplash

3 – Jeremy Vessey on Unsplash