Progress not Perfection
Recently, one of our kids ended a semi-lengthy hiatus from a treasured gaming device. Our original decision to take a break from the device was an attempt at creatively dealing with this child’s struggle to obey with a good attitude.
Truth be told: Despite ending the hiatus, this child still struggles to promptly obey and maintain a positive attitude all the time.
Imagine that. A child not yet made perfect by the loving correction of parents. So, why return the device?
This child is making progress.
Progress does not reflect the final goal or ultimate targeted behavior. But, when I take a step back to survey the big picture, I am reminded that meeting my children with grace requires knowing when to appreciate their growth versus demanding the perfect end goal.
Let’s be real. Demanding perfectionism isn’t just wishful, unrealistic thinking – it’s dangerous.
Demanding perfectionism isn’t just wishful, unrealistic thinking – it’s dangerous.
Demanding perfectionism from others or even ourselves leads only to perpetual disappointment and feelings of frustration and failure. It communicates constant defeat and instills a deep sense of shame. It harms in place of healing and destroys in place of breathing new life.
Perfectionism distorts the Gospel and our view of God.
Perfectionism distorts the Gospel and our view of God.
So, how does the Gospel free us from demanding immediate perfection and invite us to progress?
The Gospel is the good news of Jesus that acknowledges human brokenness through the lens of His victory on mankind’s behalf (John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 5:8; Romans 6:23). Those of us who accept and rely on this truth are claiming Jesus’ perfect victory over our own inadequacies (Romans 10:13). Our failures, struggles, weaknesses, and sin all become washed away in Jesus’ holiness (God’s standard of perfection), and we are given a new identity in Christ (I Peter 2:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This identity sets us apart as holy while simultaneously inviting us to grow up in the way we demonstrate that holiness (Colossians 2:6-7; I Peter 1:13-21; I Peter 2:2).
It’s a beautiful picture painted by Jesus to help us see that holiness isn’t earned but provided by the One Who is Himself holy. Instead of demanding us to self-perfect and burdening us with the impossible demand of not failing, He chooses to clothe us in His perfect wholeness and invites us to learn from Him (Matthew 11:28-30). This frees us to make progress in this already-not yet state in which we live.
As one who relies on the Gospel, I claim God’s description of me as holy while steadily maturing in my ability to practice holiness. Practice…practice…practice…exhibiting progress not immediate perfection. In turn, I am better equipped to extend grace to the people around me – giving them the freedom to learn and grow versus burdening them with unrealistic expectations.
If I would have demanded that my child perfectly execute obedience and always maintain a good attitude before earning back the gaming device, I would have been requiring self-perfection while devaluing progress. Something God simply does not do.
So, what about you?
Do you demand perfection from those around you? How could this be harming their understanding of the Gospel and view of God?
Do you feel constantly defeated by your own failures and inadequacies? Are you burdened down by your inability to meet self-imposed goals and expectations? Are you discouraged by your inability to self-perfect? Do you fear failure?
May I encourage you to preach the Gospel to yourself…a Gospel that invites you to rely on Jesus’ perfect work while lovingly challenging you to embrace progress.
Progress not perfection.
