The Idol of Perfectionism

Posted on April 25, 2011 Written by Mark McIntyre 4 Comments

I have been challenged to confront my tendency to hold a standard for myself that is unrealistic and idolatrous.

I have struggled with attempting to be perfect in some areas of my life.

What is wrong with holding a high goal?

I’m glad you asked.

The problem comes when I start avoiding people and activities because I might get feedback indicating that I’m not doing such a great job in the area in which I seek to be perfect.

I doubt that I am alone in this. In the best tradition of beams and specks (Matthew 7:3-5), I have seen this speck in the eyes of others despite the beam in mine.

The only solution is to confess this idolatry as sin and focus on what is really important. In Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus tells us that the two great commands are to love God and love the people around me. Anything that prevents me from accomplishing these commands is sin, period, no exceptions.

I choose to give up the illusion of perfection. I choose to give up the idea that I can be above criticism.

Rather than seeking perfection, I choose to better listen for direction from my King and follow that direction, knowing that this will be best for all.

How are you doing? Anybody else wanna confess?

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Stumbling blocks: how we live matters more than our words

Parents and church leaders, the best thing we can do for the next generation is to renounce our selfishness and come to meet Jesus at the Cross in humility and submission. We need to confess where we have compromised and seek to recover the ground that was lost. We want to hear the words of Matthew 25:21, “well done good and faithful slave.” We need to live lives that point to the reality of the Gospel.

Quantity versus Quality

My guess is that most Christians would agree that reading Scripture is a good thing. The fact that the Bible is a perennial best seller lends credence to this.

But what is the best way to read it? Should I keep to a reading schedule or take a little bit at a time. Do I want to focus on the quantity or the quality of my reading?

Before you hit send . . .

While the angry, “I guess I showed them” type of response may be gratifying in the moment, it doesn’t help in the long run. Such a response brings division which grieves the Lord who died to bring unity.

Righteousness, self control and the judgment to come

It may be true that the church has been out of balance the the preaching of “hellfire and judgment” to an unhealthy degree. What does Scripture say?

Along the right paths

I am learning to trust that God can use my choices, even the faulty ones, to bring me to the place he wants me to be. Like a GPS that recalculated the route when I miss a turn, God can bring about his plan without my full understanding or cooperation.

Whence the lack of peace?

Peace is the one thing that is lacking in many churches today. Perhaps it is because it is one thing that is lacking in many believers today. Or, perhaps, I am projecting this on others because of a lack of peace in my own life.

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About Mark McIntyre