G.M. Sunshine Devotionals

God, why do you love me so much? I mess up and I put my foot in my mouth all the time. I’m all over the place, inconsistent, and just so imperfect.
Then God said to me… “You are perfectly imperfect, and you give me the room I need to show up in my perfection every time.”

I’d never thought that in my transparency, God’s light was able to show up so radiantly and that it was because he didn’t have to contend with a version of me that had only given room for a piece of his glory rather than the fullness of it.

Matthew 5:48 AMP says “You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

This scripture can be misinterpreted as an expectation of perfection, but in actuality, it greatly emphasizes God’s desire for us to grow spiritually so that we will become spirit lead individuals with the Lord as our Shepherd, rather than action driven people seeking after the approval of others or our own selfish desires.

Many don’t realize that people who strive for perfection, consider themselves as always having to do more to measure up because they never feel like their best is ever enough. They were spoken to a lot, reprimanded a lot, and corrected a lot throughout life. They were considered the underdog, and one whose presence didn’t justify attention. They were often overlooked, while at the same time carrying high expectations of others that transpired into many responsibilities.

Others were always pointing out what they did wrong or criticizing the choices that they made, telling them what they should or should not be doing. They grew up walking much of a straight line. Trying to stay out of the appearance of trouble and always visibly trying to do the right thing for the hope that those who took pleasure in their deeds would in some way validate their efforts.

They are essentially always watching their steps; Wondering what people think about them and if they’re meeting the standard. They hold themselves accountable and are their own worst critic, constantly beating themselves up about their performance.
At the source of it all, perfectionists are technically imperfectionists who have adapted through their negative experiences the ability to perform at maximum capacity, a magnitude of functions, under high pressure, intense endurance, without skimping on the quality, and with seemingly effortless application of their tasks.

For these technical imperfectionists, when they have encountered relationship with the Lord, it bridges the gap between perfection and excellence, that cuts through years of inbredded and embedded training (that had shaped the thought process of those individuals). It does so in such a way that it creates: 1. Freedom from one’s own mental bondage, 2. An understanding and peace (in reaching limitations), 3. The releasing of many seemingly good habits that adversely reinforce and undermine the ability to see and interpret healthy self-love options (leading to better choices), and 4. The acceptance and joy of being content with the collaboration, available resources, and the end results of any assignment (they’ve had the privilege of being appointed to).

2 Samuel 22:31 ESV says “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Because God’s way is perfect, it is a shield that hides the imperfections of who we are, in him; Therefore, excellence comes forth. Excellence looks like the enhancement of what God prepares and brings to the table before us, when we surrender our all to him.

Titus 2:7 ESV says “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned…” 2 Corinthians 8:7 ESV says “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. Philippians 1:9-10 ESV says “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, …”

Be blessed,

G.M.