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Matthew 5:48 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

Reflect 

Does this passage make you feel you need to be perfect to be a Christian?   

Read 

In her article at www.verywellmind.com Elizabeth Scott, MS, offers ten telltale traits of perfectionists.  Generally speaking, perfectionists live in a constant state of discontent – for nothing measures up to their unrealistic expectations, including themselves.  To add to the complexity, many perfectionists “have some investment in the identity of being a perfectionist because of the positive connotations of the word ‘perfect’–who doesn’t want to be perfect instead of just fine?”  However, research shows that perfectionists actually achieve less and stress more than regular high achievers.  Do any of these sound familiar? 

Ten Signs You May Be a Perfectionist

All-Or-Nothing Thinking 

Like high achievers, perfectionists set high goals and work hard to achieve them.  But when perfectionists do not reach those goals, ‘almost perfect’ is seen as failure. 

Critical Eye 

Perfectionists are far more critical of themselves and of others than are high achievers, tending to spot tiny mistakes and imperfections in their work and in themselves, as well as in others and their work.  

Push vs Pull 

Perfectionists tend to be pushed toward their goals by a fear of not reaching them whereas high achievers tend to be pulled toward their goals by a desire to achieve them. 

Unrealistic Standards 

A perfectionist’s goals aren’t always even reasonable, often setting their initial goals out of reach, resulting in a sense of failure. 

Focus on Results 

While high achievers can enjoy the process of chasing a goal, perfectionists see the goal and nothing else, missing out on the joy of growing and striving. 

 (continued tomorrow) 

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Tags: devotions, fasting, Lent, perfectionism