Perfection is an unattainable goal

Perfection is an unattainable goal. Unfortunately it is something some of us expect of ourselves, or even worse, others.
People in high profile professions often find that not only are they expected to perform to the higher than normal expectations that come with their job, but they are expected to perform perfectly, no mistakes, no errors in judgment, absolutely no blemishes.
Not only does that put the person at higher risk for heart attacks, strokes or other possibly fatal health conditions, it also sets them up for failure.
When it comes to expecting perfection in ourselves, what we have to remember is that we don’t have to be perfect and mistake-free to be worthy of God’s love. He knows we aren’t perfect, he doesn’t expect us to be. That is why he sent us Jesus.
If God can forgive us for our sins, our mistakes, we should be able to forgive ourselves. We need to learn from the mistake, put it behind us and move on.
Expecting perfection in other people is not only wrong, but depending on the way it is expressed, it can cause hurt, anger and frustration.
People who find it necessary to point out what they perceive as mistakes made by other people in a cruel or spiteful way are not only hurting their target but also are directing attention to just how imperfect they are themselves.
We are supposed to act in a Godly manner – with compassion, mercy, kindness and love.
Remember when the slogan “WWJD – What Would Jesus Do” was everywhere from T-shirts to bumper stickers? I think that needs to regain popularity.
It is something we should ask ourselves before every decision we make and every word we speak. If the answer is that no Jesus would not say or do that, than we need to stop and figure out how Jesus would handle the situation.
When we speak without thinking, call someone names, tell people how horrible we think they are, write angry letters full of name calling and curse words, scream at people over the phone or leave nasty, biting remarks on a Facebook page, we are definitely not doing what Jesus would do.
Instead, when a mistake or decision is made that we don’t agree with and simply don’t feel we should ignore, we should go to the person and discuss the issue in a calm manner. Ask why they did what they did and be prepared to actually listen to what they say. Then explain your side and tell why you feel the way you do. Don’t accuse, don’t belittle and don’t be purposefully hurtful.
When we demand perfection of others, we are reinforcing to them that they are expected to be perfect. That is wrong thinking. God doesn’t expect perfection and neither should we – not from ourselves and not from others.