The problem with a perfectionist, albeit not the only one, is her attempt to be perfect. It’s an impossible standard, and it isn’t the one she should set out to attain. She should desire to be good.
The reason is that someone else defines what is good while the perfectionist defines perfect. Aiming for perfection, then, is rooted in pride. It’s all about her: her goals, her strength.
Good is different, at least, it is for the perfectionist who follows Christ. She does not define good; God does. Because he is wholly (and holy) good, she bases her understanding of the word and concept on him. His good may be perfect in the sense of completeness and wholeness, but it is something separate, distinct from her.
It is also something she can’t achieve without God’s Spirit animating her. He changes her heart, mind, and hands so that she can pursue the good and better. He gives direction and hope to her life, qualities that are not found when pursuing a goal rooted in self. When she pursues her aims, she gets lost, confused, bewildered. She falls into despair. She wonders what to do next, tries to figure it out on her own.
The Christian perfectionist is different. She’s forever overcoming her nature by the grace of God within her. When things fall apart or she fails, she doesn’t. Her hope and identity are rooted in Christ, in who he is and what’s he done for her. He transforms the chaos within her, and she rests in him. She doesn’t have to be perfect. She only has to be good and bring honor to the God who has saved her.
Image: hdora (Creative Commons)