Ep. 275 - Perfectionism and Negligence—How to Avoid Those Two Extremes

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar jump into the nuances of perfectionism and negligence. Perfectionism can be a challenging hurdle to overcome. Conversely, negligence can be equally harmful. There's a false doctrine of sinless perfectionism where a person craves holiness, beats themselves up over sin, and misinterprets scriptures, missing the full picture of what sin truly is. Sinless perfectionism suggests that one is no longer in need of God's grace, but striving for excellence is essential. Ray shares that many successes come amidst failures, illustrating the power of not being afraid to fail. 

Perfectionism can be inherently selfish, demanding unrealistic standards from others. This is particularly damaging to children, creating an environment where nothing feels good enough. E.Z. shares his personal experience of handling perfectionism with his children by focusing on rewarding their efforts instead of outcomes. The demand for perfection places pressure on young people, leading to widespread anxiety. Young women, in particular, compare themselves to a false perception of perfection, questioning God's creation in the process.

Both perfectionism and negligence are dangerous. God calls us to be more like Him, but we need His grace to meet His perfect standards. While pursuing excellence, stumbling is part of the journey. Christians should strive for excellence, moving forward even after failures. Let your light shine before men, as it is a testimony to God’s work in you.

Accepting our human frailty shifts our reliance from ourselves to God. Oscar shares his journey of trusting God while writing a book, emphasizing that God uses flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. 2 Corinthians 5:10 encourages diligence against negligence, reminding us that we will give an account to God. It’s vital to examine our souls intensely to ensure that Christ is central in our lives. Being connected to God’s church is crucial. Loving God’s people requires being with them and engaging in the community. We often fail in our duty to study God’s word because it requires effort. If you believe that the Bible is the living word of God, you should be deeply engaged with it. 

In summary, both perfectionism and negligence are pitfalls to avoid. Embrace excellence with the understanding that grace covers our imperfections. Work hard, strive for the best, and allow room for God’s grace to shine through your efforts. This balance will enable you to live a life that honors God, encourages those around you, and fulfills your divine purpose.

Send us a text

Thanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating!

Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.

You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro