Seeking Perfection

Don't let your fear show. Don't make any mistakes. Don't let them see your flaws. You've got to be the best. You've got to have it all-together. You've got to make them happy. You have to look flawless. Don't mess up by saying something stupid. Don't let them see your insecurities.

So many times we run these lines through our mind. We put so many doubts into our head and we begin to feel discouraged. We feel like we have to lead a perfect life that looks flawless and impeccable. A life like this is unattainable because none of us will be able to reach perfection. Only God is perfect and will always be perfect. While it is good to seek a life like God's we often focus our perfection in the wrong places. We put so much pressure on ourselves in society and try to cover up our faults, insecurities and hurts. We try so hard to please others when we should be living a life that is pleasing to God. We can never please everyone, it just isn't possible.

Often in my own life I have tried so hard to do everything I possibly could to my ability and in the end I still end up feeling discouraged and not good enough for people's expectations. Even though we may not feel worthy in people's view, we know that God thinks we are worthy. God thinks you are worth it. He sees your value. You are enough. He loves you every day; His mood doesn't change. He still loves you no matter what. You don't have to meet up to everyone's expectations or make them happy. You don't have to give into the pressure of what society says; what you do for God and how He sees you is all that matters. That's all that has ever mattered.

One thing that often leaves me feeling uncertain is how people view me. I often base my happiness on how much I feel accepted by others. This acceptance often changes quite often and is influenced by circumstances, which leaves my joy fluctuating. We shouldn't let our joy be determined by our circumstances or people's acceptance. We should focus our happiness on God and know that His love for us will never diminish, change or falter.

The next time you are seeking perfection or feel like people are expecting you to be flawless, remember you don't have to be perfect. You are flawed. You are imperfect, but that is okay. God loves us with our imperfections and flaws. If God loves us, others should too. Nobody is perfect or flawless, we all make mistakes and have faults. It is good to seek perfection, but don't become discouraged when you make mistakes because all you can do is your best. Don't try to be something you're not. Just be you. God loves you just the way you are so don't try to be someone else. Be honest, genuine and don't be afraid to let the world see who you are, insecurities and all. Don't be ashamed, let your weaknesses and insecurities be an example and testimony of just how great your God is!

2 Corinthians 12:0
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.

I John 4:10
This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.