“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
The verse has been before me, off and on, for a week now.
A yoke is used to couple animals together for the intended purpose of work. It brings to mind images of being burdened, oppressed, or enslaved.
Perfectionism is a yoke and it will enslave us with a cycle of striving to do more, and do it better. It will lie to us, making us believe everyone is perfect, doing things perfectly, and so should we.
Perfectionism is not the same thing as wanting to do your best. Perfectionism actually creates a vacuum of dissatisfaction within a person as one is never satisfied with what has been done. There is an inner gnawing the task could have been done better or another way.
As I admit my imperfections, I come to recognize my great need for a Savior, my Savior, every day. He reminds me to look up, to look to Him, as I do anything in the course of my day.
“Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26, NLT)
Our God, greater than anything in the heavens. He called each star by name and yet knows each of our names as well. He is personally involved in our imperfect lives working out His perfect plan.
As I lift up my eyes, I only see the One who created the heavens and the earth by His power, wisdom, and might. As I lift my eyes, I see the One who knows exactly what I need and is moved to help.
“I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121: 1-2, NLT)
As we lift up our eyes,
we see both our imperfections and the perfect Savior,
who has set us free.
Today I am joining … Recharge Wednesday and Woman to Woman .
So good, Joanne. No matter how we strive to be perfect, this is a goal we can never achieve. We can only approach Christ’s perfection. Your post reminded me of this quote from Laurie Shultz: “Perfectionism has many faces but ultimately comes down to fear.”
This is such a peace giving piece of place. Thankyou for being there in blogosphere and for the love of God you exude.
Thank you, Joanne! May I continually lift my eyes to the only One who knows exactly what I need and delights in providing it. Thankful that He offers me freedom, may I always embrace this gift.