perfectionism

i have been thinking.

i think that to be a perfectionist is pride. God's word does not dictate that one strives toward perfectionism. it clearly says "If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all". Not "learn to do everything just right so that you can be ultimately satisfied with your work". if you are endeavoring to do something to perfection, I think it is often to satisfy yourself. on the other hand, if you are serving someone who *wants* a job done perfectly, that is different, then you are honoring God be honoring that person's wishes. but if you are a perfectionist to the extent of which it frustrates people around you, at times when they just want your help, not your criticism, then you are not SERVING them. you are serving yourself, thereby being prideful. i also don't think we are called to do things sloppily, either. we are also told - "whatsoever you do, work it is heartily as unto the Lord". I would interpret that as "do your best". if you are doing it as unto the lord, it will be your best. remember the woman with two mites? that was her best. that was not perfection by even her standards, but she knew it was the very best she could do, and God honored that. The little boy with fish and bread gave his best. not a FEAST (like I would like to do for Easter...shame on me), but all he had, and it is still spoken of thousands of years later. then there is the little drummer boy. I KNOW, not in the bible, but still - he makes a good point. "I have no gift to bring, pa-rump-pa-pum-pum...so I shall play for him, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum"...

YOUR best is what God wants, not your obsessive best. I need to stop obsessing.


oh, and sorry if you have the little drummer boy song stuck in your head today.

~ just something to chew on...