Why I stopped trying to be the perfect Christian.

• By candidasullivan
• February 19, 2024
• No Comments

The enemy tried to convince me that I needed to be perfect to worship God and do His work. I needed to say the right things, act in a Christian way, and be all things holy. And my family needed to be all these things as well. It was exhausting mentally and emotionally even to try.

I caused myself so much heartache trying to obey the enemy’s instructions. Instead of bringing me closer to God and my family, it came in between us. Regardless of how hard I tried, I couldn’t measure up. And the constant trying caused so much pain in my life.

When it all fell apart and my perfect life shattered, God showed me another way.

It’s not about perfection but about love. When I stopped trying to be the perfect Christian, mom, wife, friend, writer, etc., I could be more loving, forgiving, and helpful. And my relationships healed—even the one with myself.

Jesus died on the cross to set me free. I am not under the law anymore, but the grace plan of salvation. I mess up all the time. I say the wrong things, do the wrong things, and let my flesh get the best of me. And God has amazing grace for it all.

The grace sets us free, sweet friends. While I try to do my best, I know there is no such thing as perfection. It is an illusional trap the enemy uses to hurt us. He tries to make us seek something we can never be.

So, I lean into my Lord’s love, forgiveness, truth, and goodness. Now, I have a beautiful relationship with Him. It’s filled with honesty.

When I hit rock bottom, I realized I couldn’t build my house on lies and pretenses. If I make anyone feel bad by how I serve God, then I’m doing it wrong. I want to give others such a beautiful glimpse of my Lord that they also want a relationship with Him. It is God who is perfect. He creates the most beautiful masterpieces out of nothing.

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