The Perfectionist Trap - Part 3

I have enjoyed your comments and learning that I'm not the only one who struggles with this! If you haven't already, you can read Part 1 and Part 2.

Rejecting the trap of perfectionism does not mean that I give up my pursuit of excellence. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Laziness and self-centeredness are both sins.

What it does mean is that I will drop the notion that I can do it all.

• I will stop making perfection an idol in my heart.

• I will build a spirit of humility that will seek to serve God and others, not myself.

• I will appreciate the gifts God has given another woman without feeling frustration because those gifts are not mine. Each of us has a special role in the body of Christ.

• I will see all I do as worship to God.

Service is a daily, hourly act of worship to God if I am doing it for Him and not for my ego. I don't need to wait until the ceiling fan is dusted and the spices alphabetized to please God through my worship.

God has given me all the time, energy, and resources to accomplish what He has called me to do. When God allows interruptions, such as illness, a new baby, a lonely neighbor, or a broken vacuum cleaner, He has a plan for my time, a plan better than the one I made.

Next time when I'm in a whirl to get more done in less time, maybe I need to ask God to calm my heart long enough to ask myself a few questions.

• Is my time my own, or does it belong to God?

• Are my homemaking goals designed to make me feel good, or are they for the purpose of blessing those God has placed in my life?

• Am I more concerned that my sister-in-Christ is impressed with my homemaking skills, or is encouraged in her walk with the Lord?

• Is there any pride lurking in my heart that needs to be confessed?

After honestly answering these questions, will I avoid the trap of perfectionism? Maybe. But becoming aware of the trap of perfectionism is only the first step. I will need to adjust my goals and plans to God's plan for my time. For me, that is not a one-time event but a daily struggle to relinquish my goals for more realistic ones. 

Next time, we'll look at some more practical tips.