Perfectionism
Gravity – Week 5: Perfectionism
In the conclusion of the Gravity series, Pastor Mike Wilson tackled one of the most subtle and dangerous cultural lies: perfectionism. It’s the pressure to have it all together—to look flawless, live pain-free, and appear successful. But perfectionism isn’t a harmless pursuit. It shifts our gaze inward, away from God and others, and towards ourselves.
"If I pursue perfection for too long, I become the idol."
Our obsession with perfect lives is not new. It echoes the very first sin. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve rejected God’s rule and desired self-sufficiency:
“But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”
The temptation was not just about fruit—it was about autonomy, about becoming like God. That same desire fuels perfectionism today. But God never designed us to be self-reliant. He created us to depend on Him.
Pastor Mike led us to the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 12, where the apostle reveals a deep, personal struggle—a “thorn in the flesh”:
“So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
We don’t know what Paul’s thorn was—perhaps a physical ailment, a recurring temptation, or even deep personal disappointment. But we do know this: God allowed it to remain. Why? Because it kept Paul dependent. It kept him humble. It kept his focus on grace, not perfection.
This isn’t just Paul’s story. It’s ours too. We each carry our own thorns—our insecurities, illnesses, shame, or unmet expectations. But our weaknesses are not curses; they are opportunities for God’s strength to shine.
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Throughout Scripture, God has always opposed self-sufficiency. When the Israelites asked for a human king, they rejected God’s leadership:
“But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, ‘Give us a king to judge us.’ And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.’”
The results were disastrous. Human strength brought disorder, but God brings order out of chaos:
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
God’s creative work brings structure, purpose, and beauty. That’s what He wants to do in our lives—not through our perfection, but through His power at work in our weakness.
Jesus modeled this surrender perfectly:
“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
It was this radical obedience—surrendering comfort for purpose—that led to resurrection power. And it’s the same call to every believer.
Mike challenged us to examine our desire for perfection. What parts of your life are you trying to control or polish? What if your weaknesses are the very things God will use to reveal His strength?
Two Responses to Fight Perfectionism
1. Start with Awe, Not Anxiety
Begin each morning not with your to-do list or insecurities, but with worship and Scripture. Before you look in the mirror or check your phone, talk to God. Let His grace set the tone for your day:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
2. Serve Somone
Take your eyes off yourself. Love others intentionally and consistently.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Serving others shifts our posture from self-improvement to sacrificial love. It’s not about becoming more perfect—it’s about becoming more like Jesus.
Final Challenge:
Perfection is not the goal. Jesus is. Self-sufficiency leads to chaos, but surrender leads to transformation. Our thorns don’t disqualify us—they qualify us for grace.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
God is glorified not through our flawless living, but through our humble dependence. The more we trust Him, the more His divine power works through us.
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
So, identify where you’re striving for perfection. Bring it to God. Let go. And say with Jesus: “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Did you like Gravity – Week 5 – Perfectionism? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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Perfectionism
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