It’s Week Two in our spring blog series, Ministry Mythbusters!
Myth #2: Perfection is the goal for effective ministry.
Mythbuster: While excellence should be the goal, perfection is a moving target. Why? Because perfection is not only humanly impossible, but also humanly defined. Perfection for one individual would be deemed flawed to another. Perfection is opinion-based. Effective ministry must be built solely upon obedience to the assignment God has given to you and the ministry you are called to lead and serve. Pleasing God, regardless of its approval by man, is the ultimate test for effective ministry, or effective anything, in your life—personally, relationally, ministerially, vocationally.
Perfection is opinion-based. Effective ministry must be built solely upon obedience to the assignment God has given to you and the ministry you are called to lead and serve.
Most of us would deny we are pursuing perfection because we know it's truly impossible to achieve. And yet we still, sometimes even subconsciously hold ourselves to such lofty standards. (All the recovering perfectionists are shakily raising their hands to testify! Mine included.) When it comes to embodying that Proverbs 31 status, it seems that "a woman should and can have it all". But does she have to have it, or do it, all right now? I don't believe so.
Allow for seasons to play out in your life. Surrender to what God has right in front of you, and the next set of accomplishments, opportunities, and tasks will come along...in due season. Easier said than done, right? Don't worry--perfection isn't even the goal for this aspiration, either. The tireless, thankless tasks of womanhood, motherhood, a Godly helpmate, and ministry leader can drain you and me if we do anything more than serve Him faithfully today and trust Him with what tomorrow holds.
So, take a few moments today to survey what areas in your life you’ve been frothy with stress or anxiety. Have you been frivolously or mindlessly focused on perfection? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can maintain the goal of excellence and obedience while also releasing yourself from the confines of perfection.
Let’s review our goals for effective ministry.
Bonus Resources:
Podcast: The Lie of Comparison
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