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

Walking In Freedom

John 8:36 (AMP) "So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free."

Have you ever stared at an unfinished task, paralyzed by the fear that it wouldn't be perfect? Maybe you've lain awake at night replaying every minor mistake from your day. Or perhaps you've pushed yourself to exhaustion, trying to meet impossible standards that seem to grow higher with each achievement.

As we've journeyed together these past six days, we've uncovered the subtle ways perfectionism can chain us. My path to freedom is teaching me that recognizing these chains is just the beginning—it's in daily walking with Christ that we experience true liberation. Today, I want to share with you how to maintain and deepen this freedom that Jesus died to give us.

In John 8:31-36, Jesus speaks directly to believers –people who had already put their faith in Him. When He spoke of setting them free, they responded with surprise: "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

Like them, we sometimes fail to recognize our own captivity. We don't always see how perfectionism—disguised as ambition or high standards—keeps us shackled. But Jesus makes it clear: anyone who sins is a slave to sin, and only the Son can set them free. And when He does, that freedom is real. It is final. It is absolute.

I'll never forget my first therapy session in my mid-twenties. I walked in with a neatly organized list of issues I needed to "fix," and my first question was, "So how long is this going to take?" That moment perfectly captured my perfectionist mindset – focused solely on the destination, completely dismissing the journey.

For years, I measured my worth through accomplishments and checked-off boxes, failing to appreciate the growth that happened along the way. But God has taught me that life's richness lies in the process—in what He's teaching us, shaping in us, and refining within us.

This freedom Christ offers isn't just a one-time gift – it's a daily choice to walk in truth. Like any precious gift, it requires intentional care and attention. Renew your mind daily by starting each morning declaring God's truths about your identity. Replace perfectionist thoughts with grace-filled truth and filter your self-talk through the lens of God's Word.

Embrace a new mindset by moving from outcome-focused to process-oriented living, from achievement-based worth to identity-based worth, from fear of failure to embracing growth, and from constant striving to rhythms of rest and refreshing.

Ground yourself in your true identity. You are Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10). You are Covered by Grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are Called to Progress (Philippians 1:6).

My friend, this isn't the end – it's a beautiful beginning. Each new day brings fresh opportunities to choose grace over perfectionism, progress over performance, and truth over lies. I pray these seven days have encouraged you to embrace the grace-filled, perfectly imperfect journey God has for you.

A Prayer for Continued Freedom

Father, thank You for the freedom You've purchased for me through Your Son. I choose today to walk in that freedom. When perfectionism whispers that I'm not enough, help me remember that I am complete in Christ. When I feel the urge to strive, help me to embrace the unforced rhythms of Your grace. Give me wisdom to recognize the lies that would bind me and courage to keep choosing freedom every day. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Reflection:

• What does freedom in Christ look like for you now?
• What specific steps will you take to maintain your freedom?

Ready to go deeper? I've created the Perfectly Imperfect 7-Day Grace Notes Journal just for you – a guided reflection tool to help you walk in daily freedom. Download it here.