Is Striving for Perfection Spiritually Healthy?

The world throws two messages at us when it comes to perfection:

1. Unhealthy perfectionism: An obsession with flawlessness that’s rooted in anxiety, and self-worth issues. This is counterproductive.
2. Unanchored perfectionism: “You do you!” This version lacks standards. Your truth becomes whatever feels good. It might seem encouraging, but ultimately is spiritually empty.

Is there a place for the pursuit of perfection in our faith? Can we be both ambitious toward a goal and humble in our hearts at the same time? The Bible repeatedly indicates – YES! But Biblical perfection is about character, love, and wholehearted dedication, not looking a certain way or never making mistakes.

God’s Perfection: Not What We Expect

God’s call to perfection doesn’t resemble that of the world. Here’s what sets it apart:

• We Don’t Do It Alone: True spiritual perfection stems from a transformed heart and requires yielding to the Holy Spirit, the One who truly works “perfection” within us.
• Repentance Is Key: Perfection is a journey, not an overnight achievement. True transformation welcomes correction and acknowledges past missteps. It involves letting go of harmful attitudes and behaviors.
• The Goal is God Himself: Perfection in this sense isn’t about getting everything right for the sake of it. It’s about becoming more and more like the perfectly loving, righteous, and gracious God we serve.

The Challenge That Brings Divine Reward

God’s asking a lot! And yes, perfection IS the goal. The good news is He never expects us to go it alone. Consider these verses as inspiration and direction:

• [1Ki 8:61 KJV] 61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

  [Mat 19:21 KJV] 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

  [2Co 13:11 KJV] 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

  [Phl 3:15 KJV] 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

  [2Ti 3:17 KJV] 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Is Spiritual Perfection on Your Radar?

If these ideas speak to you, let this be your starting point:

1. Prayer: Sincerely ask God to reveal areas in your life where you fall short of His standard of love and character. Ask Him to create a deep longing for perfection as HE defines it.

2. The Word: Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture reveals God’s heart and provides a blueprint to align ourselves with. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you read.

3. Community: Find believers committed to pursuing the same, encouraging each other through accountability and grace.

Let’s embrace the transformative work of spiritual perfection; one step, one decision, one yielded thought at a time. God promises to complete the work He begins in us!

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