The Perils of Perfectionism


Yesterday, I wrote about the difficulties of being a Demi-Goddess--defining our self-image by our actual physical image. As told in the unraveling story of Demi Moore's descent. May she rise anew and ascend with an all-around image more spiritually-grounded. God's image in us, marred by the Fall, still reflects the perfection of God. We all have Eden in our collective consciousness. An ideal world gone wrong through bad choices. It is now in our genes.

But, the perfection that was possible, and the perfection of God, haunts us like a specter. The shadow self knows that there is a sun shining, exposing our sin, illuminating our flaws. A zit on the forehead of our souls. Do we pick at it, avoid thinking about it? Trapped.

Perfectionism is an outcome of the Fall. We strive to be perfect, thinking anything less is a failure. Now, this just applies to higher achievers who actually want to get "A's" in life. There are far too many slackers and sluggards who revel in their mediocrity. "D" lifers, dumb and dumber. So, if you are that type, this discussion does not pertain to you. Yet. For to care has a hard cost.

But those who do struggle with perfectionism, tend to think like this: "Total success or total failure." The middle ground obliterated by all or nothing thinking. Rock star or ruin. This attribute is actually an attempt to be like God in the wrong way, much like Satan's seductive suggestion to Eve in the Garden to be like God. We are not God, never were and never will be. Even without the Fall, we were still finite. With the Fall, we are both fallen and deeply flawed.

Salvation and sanctification have an "already but not yet" quality. This "already not yet" term is typically applied to Eschatology. Jesus has come, is reigning, but the battle with the flesh and devil and the world is still in progress. That is also played out in our individual lives. We are not what we were but neither are we what we will be. God shall complete His work in us. Strive to be a better soul for that is the road to becoming the best that God made you to be. Don't permit perfectionism to obstruct your progress.
              

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