Qualified by God
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” - Romans 3:23
John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in various capacities in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading to the Civil War.
Yet, at age 70 he wrote, "My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook." Adams suffered from perfectionism, which is a form of idolatry. It is the pursuit of something in the flesh that can only be accomplished by God.
Those seeking perfection never feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. In fact, many end up addicted, depressed, and with low self-esteem because they are seeking an impossible goal. Perfectionists attach their self-esteem to how they perform, and they constantly need other people’s validation.
It is unfortunate because perfection is not a requirement to be used by God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reminds us, “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”
If you are faithfully obedient, God will use you for His glory. That does not mean you have to be perfect. God doesn’t call the qualified, rather He qualifies the called. Stop chasing perfection. It is exhausting and a never-ending pursuit. All God asks is for you to do your best.
Be the best you can be and leave the rest to Him.
John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in various capacities in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and events leading to the Civil War.
Yet, at age 70 he wrote, "My whole life has been a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything that I ever undertook." Adams suffered from perfectionism, which is a form of idolatry. It is the pursuit of something in the flesh that can only be accomplished by God.
Those seeking perfection never feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. In fact, many end up addicted, depressed, and with low self-esteem because they are seeking an impossible goal. Perfectionists attach their self-esteem to how they perform, and they constantly need other people’s validation.
It is unfortunate because perfection is not a requirement to be used by God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 reminds us, “It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.”
If you are faithfully obedient, God will use you for His glory. That does not mean you have to be perfect. God doesn’t call the qualified, rather He qualifies the called. Stop chasing perfection. It is exhausting and a never-ending pursuit. All God asks is for you to do your best.
Be the best you can be and leave the rest to Him.
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