The Problem With Perfection
Perfection. It’s something we’ve all chased at one time or another, but there’s a big problem- it doesn’t actually exist, not here on earth anyways. Perfection is an idea that we have created in our own heads, and the pursuit of it can lead to disaster.
Sometimes I’ve felt the pressure to be the “perfect” mother. I find myself fighting the strong desire to look like I have it all together, although I’m pretty sure I’m not fooling anyone! In fact, as I’m writing this I’m sitting at a dirty table with unwashed hair and I don’t think I remembered to brush my teeth this morning.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t measure up? What does the “perfect” momma look like to you? Maybe it’s someone who looks fantastic all of the time, has “picture perfect” kiddos and family nearby to babysit around the clock. Maybe it’s your friend who is going on exotic vacations, and posting magazine worthy photos of her travels. After all, what momma wouldn’t like a tropical escape now and then? Maybe it’s the mom down the street with plenty of money and no apparent problems.
The truth is that looks can be deceiving. We all face struggles. In fact, sometimes the people we envy most have a large amount of turmoil bubbling just below the surface. We need God’s help to steer clear the comparison trap! Comparing ourselves to others robs us of peace and joy. After all, many times we are chasing an ideal that does not even exist. This is a recipe for exhaustion and disaster.
The idea that we need to have it all, and be it all, and measure up to the world’s standard of excellence is a sneaky lie spun by the devil himself. The moment we take God out of the equation, we’re getting off track. Christ doesn’t desire perfection, he desires our whole hearts!
The truth is that Christ is especially glorified in our dark days, our down days, and on those days we mess up and make mistakes. How awesome is that?
His power and strength helped push me through countless stressful days and sleepless nights with my colicky infant. He was there when she was diagnosed with a neck condition at 4 months old, and through the countless trying physical therapy appointments that followed. He was by my side two decades ago when I battled an eating disorder and a deep depression. Even if I didn’t always recognize it at the time, he was always there, and always faithful! Nothing is too big or too dark or sinful or scary for him to help you overcome!
He is never more present for me than on the days I can’t pull it all together, and I need to rely on him for the strength to get by. There is so much beauty in that!
2 Corinthians 12:9 states, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
What do I want my daughter to see when she looks at me? I want her to see someone who is real, someone who struggles, and relies on Christ to make it through on a daily basis. I do not want to see her someone relying in my own strength to navigate the muddy waters of life.
We need to give ourselves permission to fail. Permission to have bad days. Christ’s grace is sufficient for us, and it’s His opinion of us that matters!
So please, on your rough days, remember who you are in Christ, be satisfied with who you are and what you have, and push forward relying on His power and his strength!
When discontent or comparison creeps in, redirect your thoughts towards Christ! Pursue Him instead. Pray that he gives you a heart that desires more of Him, and less of all of the other “stuff” that fills our hearts, minds and lives! After all, only Christ and the daily pursuit of him can bring true peace, joy and contentment.
1 Timothy 6:6-7 is a great reminder of that! “But Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and can take nothing out of it.”
The world can provide some deceptively appealing counterfeits, but those are temporary at best, and will always leave you wanting more.
Jessica Hundley
Tampa Bay Area Director of Agape Moms
Jessica loves spending quality time with her husband Scott, and their toddler Haley Margaret. She will also be welcoming a baby boy in the spring. Jessica moved to Florida from Massachusetts seven years ago, and never looked back! She loves sharing the good news about Jesus by telling others how the truth of the gospel has radically transformed her life. Jessica has a special passion for connecting with other moms who are struggling and pointing them to Jesus. She is a founding member and former leader of the original Agape Moms in Lithia, FL. She recently felt a burden to expand Agape Moms in her own neighborhood, and it led to the launch of a new group in Valrico. Jessica has a love for God and others that overflows into every facet in her life.