Why So Busy?Sample

Perfectionism

How do so many of us end up constantly busy? How does an unsustainable pace become the normal we live with? One of the biggest reasons is perfectionism. When we feel like it has to be or we have to be perfect. We “need” to study more, review the Google doc again, make this the best Christmas party ever. We “can’t” settle for a B+ in life much less an average C, so we pick up the pace with no finish line in sight.

Do you or does someone you love battle perfectionistic thoughts? Such thinking is common among Christians, since we value doing our best for God and striving to be perfect as Jesus is perfect (Luke 2:51,52). But the devil twists our eagerness for excellence into a life that doesn’t imitate the rhythms of Jesus, who himself “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16 NIV).

The Bible’s ultimate answer to perfectionistic busyness is grace. The undeserved love of Jesus has already made you perfect in the eyes of the One who matters most. On your spiritual report card, Jesus has written a 4.0. On your performance before the Judge of heaven and earth, Jesus has scored you a perfect 10. Your heart is hungry for a job perfectly done, and that job was done for you by Jesus. He has made you perfect in the eyes of God.

You trying to be perfect is a treadmill that never stops. Jesus making you perfect is grace that lets you slow down, sit down, and rest.