I’ve had a lot of broken friendships in the past few years. In that time, I would wonder what was wrong with me. I blamed the other person. I didn’t forgive easily. I look back on those times and am grateful for the experiences that made me grow in my faith and strengthened my soul. I learned that in those relationships, I was searching for perfection. If I found a flaw, I was extremely disappointed. I was putting all my trust in the relationships and not in Jesus. I was on the pursuit of perfection.
I had an unrealistic expectation in my friendships. This quote from Rebecca St. James’ book What is he Thinking? explains this:
and all of my fears, anxieties and issues will disappear.”
That statement when written out seems so silly! Whether you’re searching for perfection in a friend, family or a dating relationship you will never feel fulfilled by those people. God made us to long for a perfect relationship in hopes that we turn to Jesus. He is the only true source of perfection. He will never leave us, he will hold us by the hand, and he will comfort us in our time of need.
He never fails us.
You may not be searching for perfection in relationships. Maybe you look for perfection in your appearance, your personality, or your self-worth. It is important not to compare yourself to others. You were made flawless by God.
Maybe you think you’ve already found perfection through your faith. Or maybe you’ve just given up on perfection altogether. Whatever path you find yourself walking down remember that we can feel perfection in Jesus Christ.
Take some time to evaluate your life and see where you may be wrongfully pursuing perfection.
Jesus, keep us humble to realize our brokenness. Be our perfect friend who will never leave us. Let us remember not to compare ourselves to others but to find our worth in You. Help me to work on letting go of pursuing perfection in __________. Amen.
