I’m currently listening to a book on perfectionism. It got me thinking about perfectionism and my own spirituality.
Oftentimes I set really high standards for myself, spiritually. Really, I feel pressure to do and be and have the perfect spirituality. As Christians, we’re constantly bombarded with new standards and lists and things to do to improve our spirituality. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but for me, it kept upping the ante, so to speak.
“Spend a thoughtful hour every day just on the crucifixion alone.”
“You need to be doing deep Bible study every day.”
“Read your Bible through in a year.”
“Spend an hour in prayer every day–at the beginning of the day!”
“Prayer journal”
“Witness to five people this year.”
“Invite ten people to church.”
I’m not saying that any of these things are bad or wrong. In fact, I want to do ALL of them. The problem is what often comes after them. Too often, I hear preachers/speakers implying that if we don’t do this, then God can’t/won’t bless us as much. And I know I’ve been guilty of this very thing. So we’re handed these amazing standards to live up to then guilted when we don’t.
Someone once told me this: Doing something half-way is better than not doing it at all. Brushing your teeth for 30 seconds is better than not at all. Showering quickly is better than not at all. Eating one serving of vegetables is better than none at all. Walking to the end of the driveway and back is better than not walking at all. Walking period is better than not exercising at all.
Listening to the Bible on your way to work is better than not reading/listening at all. Jotting down a prayer on a sticky note is better than not praying at all. Getting to church late (yes even really late) is better than not going at all. Reading your kids a short Bible story or even half of one is better than not at all. Praying with a friend at work is better than not sharing your faith at all.
Sometimes we need to let go of the perfection standard and reach out to God the best way we can. He’s always right there. He’s always ready and waiting; we just have to open the door of communication. Some communication in a relationship is better than none, right?
As we build up those spiritual muscles, who knows? Maybe we might end up with a prayer journal, five friends baptized, and half the Bible memorized? Maybe not, but we will be much better off spiritually than if we hadn’t tried at all.
That, I can guarantee.
