Many people including myself fall into the trap of believing that perfection trumps direction; however, when we align ourselves with this belief, we submit ourselves to bondage. Without realizing it, living under the law of perfection causes us to actually place shackles around our already freed wrists and ankles believing that imprisoning ourselves is a righteous and just act. We take the whip and strike ourselves every time we fall short. We listen to the lies of regret and guilt that heap on condemnation all the while accusingly pointing their gnarly fingers at us commanding us to put on even more shackles as the ones we had before were inadequate. Thus chains keep coming without reprieve, and the most unfortunate part of this story is that we are both the tormentor and the tormented.
Living under the law of perfection comes in many forms. It rears its head every time we are unable to receive forgiveness from others and/or ourselves. It shows up in the guise of stress and anxiety. It keeps us from being able to receive and believe that we are really and truly loved. It believes that there is always a catch to a person’s kindness towards us as we have an underlying belief that we don’t deserve it. It masquerades as the idea that there will always be someone better than us; therefore, we will never actually be able to achieve our dreams as someone else is more perfect/deserving. It breaks down our spirit when we receive any kind of constructive criticism especially when that criticism is unwanted and/or goes against our own perception of the situation. It stunts growth, and it creates victims and individuals who see failure as a death sentence.
The good news is that this isn’t how we were meant to live. There IS a better way. When we shift our motto from one of living under the oppressiveness of perfection to one of focusing on direction, we break free from our chains and are able to flourish. We are able to begin to receive love as we realize that it is not about our performance or what we bring to the table. We are able to accept constructive criticism as we are not afraid to grow. We see failure as an opportunity to learn and become more than we were before. We believe that we really are forgiven when we wrong others, and therefore our relationships are able to heal and deepen. We no longer run and hide in shame when we mess up because we realize that our identity is not based on performance. We allow ourselves the opportunity to live and love. Instead of weakening ourselves, we strengthen ourselves and in doing so, we begin to change the world.
Through my experience, I have realized that I can only get so far in my own efforts. I can choose to retrain my mind to come in alignment with this truth; however, when I pair it with the realization that I am loved by God Himself, I reach higher levels than I ever could have experienced on my own. I can’t explain what happens other than a divine alliance between myself and Truth, and it is the most beautiful miracle I’ve ever experienced. It is a place of intimacy that breeds life and freedom where grace flows abundantly. So, I challenge you to invite God into this equation. Ask Him to show you how to shift your mindset to align with this truth. You might just be surprised to see how He answers you.
Growing in Grace,
– The Lily
Philippians 3:13-15
“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”
I AM THE LILY 