Shalom: Perfectionism and Redemption
Advent week 2
We so often strive for perfection in our lives. Either out of a desire to be the best, to win the approval of others because of our pride and arrogance; or out of fear and shame of our inadequacies and failings. But we have a God who sets us free from the need to strive for perfection. God offers us His Shalom, which makes us complete, whole, loved and valued by God. Will you let go of the need for perfection and instead rest secure in God’s Shalom?
Jeremiah 10:23 John 15:1-8 Galatians 1:10 Romans 5:1-11 2 Corinthians 11:30; 12: 7b-10
Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection:
‘Healthy striving is self-focused: “How can I improve?” Perfectionism is other-focused: “What will they think?”’ ‘Perfectionism is a self destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect, and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of shame, judgment, and blame’.
Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace and Learning the Hard Way
‘The grandest seduction of all is the myth that DOING EVERYTHING BETTER gets us where we want to be. It gets us somewhere, certainly, but not anywhere worth being.’
Shannon Alder
‘There is no perfection, only beautiful versions of brokenness’
Preacher: Alex Camp
Series: Advent 2022 - Shalom
Date: December 8, 2022