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Perfectionism locks us into an inauthentic way of life, isolating our real and vulnerable selves from the people we love and those who love us.  God’s will for human relationships cannot take place if we constantly live behind an impermeable mask of everything being “fine.” 

As a reminder, Dr. Brené Brown states that shame is experienced differently by gender (week 3 on shame).  For women, it is trying to meet competing, conflicting expectations.  For men, it is the fear of others viewing you as weak.  Trying to be perfect is an expression of such shame.

Reflect

If you are a woman, do you find yourself struggling to meet competing, conflicting expectations?  How does that relate to your ability to be vulnerable and authentic?  How does it keep you from daring greatly? 

If you are a man, do you find yourself living in isolation for fear of letting down those they love?  How does such fear shape your relationships, your work, your relationship with God? 

How many marriages have been sacrificed on the altar of “being right”?  

How many careers have been spent locked into a performance mind-set, ultimately leading to dissatisfaction and dampened innovation? 

Perfectionism, born out of shame, permeates our lives on so many different levels.  How can you fast from perfectionism?

Study

Hebrews 12:1-2 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

Pray

Let us pray, 

Lord God, you gift us with life, relationships, work, and service.  Remove that which prevents us from living authentically as your beloved children.  Help us to trust in your all sufficient grace.  We pray in the name of the one who set the prisoners free, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

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Tags: devotions, fasting, Lent, perfectionism