Perfectly Imperfect | Discovering Grace When Perfect Isn’t Possible, a 7-Day Devotional by Jacques McNeilNäide

The Seed of “Perfect” | Unearthing the Roots of My Perfectionism

From the very beginning, we were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). We are fearfully and wonderfully made, and as The Passion Translation puts it, we are “mysteriously complex.” Today, I can wholeheartedly praise God for that truth, but for years, it felt as if my flaws were magnified.

As a recovering perfectionist, I now recognize how deeply I was trapped in its grip. Perfectionism manifested in my life in countless ways: an overwhelming fear of failure, being overly critical of myself and others, and offering myself little to no compassion.

Looking back, I can see when the seed of perfectionism was first planted. I was only seven years old.

I had excelled in school, earning straight A’s from Kindergarten through second grade. As summer ended and a new school year approached, I was eager to find out which third-grade class I would be placed in. At my elementary school, it was a tradition to post each teacher’s roster before the first day of school.

I had long heard that Ms. Burton was the best third-grade teacher, and I was thrilled at the thought of being in her class. But that excitement quickly faded when my mother and I checked the list and saw that my name wasn’t there. Instead, I had been placed in a class designed for students who needed additional academic support.

I was devastated. I knew I had earned a spot in Ms. Burton’s class—so why wasn’t I there?

My mother was just as confused and immediately scheduled a meeting with the principal. His response shocked us both: He explained that since one of my close friends had been placed in that class, he assumed I should be there too.

Really?

Thankfully, my mother quickly corrected this mistake, and I was reassigned to Ms. Burton’s class. But unbeknownst to me, something shifted in my seven-year-old heart that day. Even though my grades proved I belonged in that classroom, I suddenly felt like I didn’t.

That single moment planted a tiny but powerful lie: You know you’re really not good enough to be here….

And so began my struggle with perfectionism.

I don’t know when perfectionism first took hold of you, but I do know this: You don’t have to stay trapped in its cycle. The truth is, God's grace is bigger than your perceived inadequacies.

His love isn't earned through perfect performance, nor is it based on how others see you - it's freely given. And according to John 8:32 (TPT), “For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.”

Today, allow the truth of God’s Word to release you from the grips of perfection so that you can experience true freedom.

Today’s Reflection:

• When did you first feel the pressure to be perfect? Was there a moment in your childhood that stands out?
• In what areas of your life do you see perfectionism affecting you today?