Continuing from yesterday on this topic, Gale describes what happens to a person when perfectionism - trying to become perfect without the Lord - is in play:
The problem is, however, that he always falls short of his goal, the implications of which are lack of joy, a heavy heart, despair, worry, etc. As he looks about him, he sees others, who seem to have a peace and smile, and he concludes that these Christians are not taking their Christian life seriously. They are sober in respect to the gravity and heinousness of their sin. How dare they be joyful. This conclusion may lead to anger, bitterness, loneliness, etc. In addition, his Christian walk is stymied for fear that he is not making decisions consistent with the will of God. Is he allowed to indulge in recreation? After all, isn’t it detracting from Bible reading and prayer? Is it God’s will to go to the store now? Should he wait? You can see, left unchecked, the disastrous effect that perfectionism can have.
What do we do in these situations? First, call perfectionism sin and like any other sin handle it through confession, repentance, and bearing good fruit, such as joy and peace. Second, remember Christ's righteousness by reading Phil. 3:4-16. Third, as we participate in Christ's transforming us into perfect holiness, recall from Heb. 12:1-2 that we are running a race, but remember that the focal point is Christ, not our own works. Fourth, put on love. "Part of the sin of perfectionism and its effects on life is an extreme self-focus, along with fear for self and judgmentalism towards others." Love like you have been loved. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Show grace as you have been shown abundant grace. You are not perfect and neither are your neighbors, friends, parents, siblings, and colleagues. And, finally, enjoy life. Gale expresses it well:
The Christian life is an abundant life. The believer awakens each morning to face a day in which he can commune with, glorify, and enjoy God. Worldly pleasures become consecrated to God and are a gift from Him.
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