Saturday, September 13, 2008

Obedience - Rather Than Perfection


I am continuing on in my "Behind Those Eyes" study and learning so much from it. Lisa describes many of the roles that we, as women, often play trying to impersonate the women that we want to be , or, many times, the women that we want everyone to THINK that we are!

As I began reading about the first "character" in our study, "Ms. Perfection", I must admit that I did not expect to find ME in that chapter. (That's not me!  I'm not Ms. Perfection, that's so-and-so!) But guess what -- there I was right there in the pages of that chapter, too!  I'm gonna pull in my toes and hide them under the table so that they won't get stepped on anymore!

In her book, Lisa says, "perfection is perhaps, the most common characteristic that women impersonate.  We get caught up in the trap of trying to appear perfect for others."  

We  try to appear to be the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect employee, the "perfect package". The perfect package is "the woman who knows it all, sees it all, whips it up for dinner, and sells it for a profit."  I am WOMAN hear me ROAR!

What God is reminding me of through this chapter is that, first of all, I will never be perfect! In my flesh, there is no way that I will EVER be perfect!  It's not possible! I need to come to terms with the fact that my self-worth is not determined by what someone else thinks about me.  No one else is perfect, either!  They may just be a better impersonator.

My "peace comes from my relationship with Christ, not my weight, my clothing size, what car I drive, or how many church functions I attend. Peace does not come from pleasing others, but from obeying God.", says Lisa.

I must admit that, as a middle child, I have the "Peacemaker Syndrome".  I want everyone to get along and be happy with each other and I wear myself out trying to make sure that happens.

My goal needs to be OBEDIENCE, not perfection!


He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Luke 11:28

7 comments:

Melissa said...

Well now. Sounds like a good study to me! Don't you love it when the Lord shows you what He really wants from you? AND when it's practicle too?? That's just great!! Not easy, but great!! :)

petrii said...

See I knew we were "specially" connected ~~ yep I'm a middle child too ~~ I feel your pain :0)

And yes, I am a peacemaker as well and a fixer ~~ I hate seeing others hurt at ALL!! Even if I know that it is necessary for their growth it still causes me much pain to see them go through it.
And the perfection part? Do not even get me started !! OH how I have struggled with this one!!

This sounds like a GREAT study. I may have to check this one out!! Have a Blessed Lord's Day,
Dawn

judy said...

Perfection---how many years do some of us spend trying to achive just that.
I thank God for His everlasting love for me and showing me how to relax. In Him I am whole. By myself, I am nothing but a complete wreck.
Perfection I no longer desire. Peace......you bet.
He is our peace.
God bless you.

Faith said...

"My goal needs to be OBEDIENCE, not perfection!" - This just sums it all up for me.

I'm so thankful that you are sharing what God is showing you. Love you so much!

ThreeGirlyGirls said...

I can't wait to read this boook too!!

ps-doing a giveaway you may just like!! =)

valerie said...

That sounds like a very good study.
I've not heard of it.

I too am a middle child and also a peacemaker. The older I get the more vocal I'm becoming. Sometimes I'm not sure if that's a good thing?? but many times by being vocal things come out that need to be brought out into the open. It's easier for me most of the time to just be quiet and play the role of peacemaker. That is where I'm really wanting to always wait for God to speak and then...yes, be obedient.

I loved the part about true peace only coming from having a realationship with Jesus. SO TRUE and something I was just discussing with someone yesterday.
When I start to feel insecure for whatever reason, I need to realize He's my Father and He thinks I'm awesome!
Thanks for sharing!
Valerie

Heather said...

Man, this study sounds so good. I am a complete control freak and perfectionist. This gives me a lot to think about. It's so easy to look at others and compare ourselves...but we're all impersonators!
Thanks for this, Mimi!