Perfection

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fisherman_carl

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What is the difference between a perfectionist complex and striving for Christian perfection?

“Perfectionism, in psychology, is a personality disposition characterized by an individual striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards, accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others’ evaluations.[1][2] It is best conceptualized as a multidimensional characteristic, as psychologists tend to agree that there are both negative and positive aspects of perfectionism.[3] In its maladaptive form, perfectionism drives individuals to attempt to achieve an unobtainable ideal, and their failure to meet their expectations causes psychological distress. Adaptive perfectionism can motivate people to reach their goals, and they derive pleasure from doing so.”
 
" For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away"
  • 1 Cor 13:9
Paul envisions perfection when Christ comes and makes all things new. But our strivings for perfection will always fall short since we are imperfecg. As Paul says our knowledge is imperfect.

I think perfectionism is when we hold ourselves to impossibley difficult ideals and feel bad when we fall short. This could also cause paralysis because we fear failure, that we will miss the mark. so much that we do not dare to even try.

Christian perfection is not the same as perfectionism. Our goals in Christianity are not impossible ideals but are about becoming who God meant us to be which entirely a possibility since God made us and knows what we are capable of. Christian perfection incorporates our weaknesses. Paul says when I am weak then I am strong, for God’s power is made more visible in weakness. Thus, in Christianity weakness, which is the opposite of perfectionism which tries to hide weakness, is made perfect through God’s power manifest in us.

Perfectionism can cause depression and anxiety. Christian perfection gives us realistic goals we can strive for and builds us up in love. When we make mistakes Christian love calls for mercy not chastisement. For we are to be merciful as God is merciful.

We all have weaknesses and flaws. Yet these are our greatest strengths. Paul knew and understood this.
 
Perfection is Jesus or love.

Perfection is achieved by obtaining the seven virtues and receiving the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Therefore, to acheive perfection requires God.

An earthly perfectionist is acting under his own will and intellect and doesn’t require God.
 
Perfection is also participating in Heaven on Earth.

This is in the Our Father.

The gifts are mentioned in Galations 5: 22,23.

Perfect Conttition is true sorrow for sin BC of love of God. It is like when you disobey your mother and you realise you hurt her feelings. You become perfevtly sorrow for your sin BC of your love for her. It hurts you BC you hurt her.
 
fisherman_carl said:
What is the difference between a perfectionist complex and striving for Christian perfection?
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Thank you very much for the excellent food for thought, my friend! Please consider the following concepts:

A perfectionist complex is complicated, difficult, and filled with strife from a lack of proper balance in the purpose and means to truly living.

Christian perfection is simple and filled with an abundance of joy with unbreakable peace from living in oneness with the pinnacle means to fulfill the pinnacle purpose of living.

However, they are very closely related in that in order to attain greater oneness with Christian perfection, one will put the self through a perfectionist complex.
 
fisherman_carl said:
What is the difference between a perfectionist complex and striving for Christian perfection?

“Perfectionism, in psychology, is a personality disposition characterized by an individual striving for flawlessness and setting excessively high performance standards, accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others’ evaluations.[1][2] It is best conceptualized as a multidimensional characteristic, as psychologists tend to agree that there are both negative and positive aspects of perfectionism.[3] In its maladaptive form, perfectionism drives individuals to attempt to achieve an unobtainable ideal, and their failure to meet their expectations causes psychological distress. Adaptive perfectionism can motivate people to reach their goals, and they derive pleasure from doing so.”
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I believe we all should strive for Christian perfection, that is perfect love of Jesus Christ. We can ask God to give us the grace to have a perfect love of Jesus. The focus is not so much on ourselves but it is in striving to do the holy and perfect will of God in our lives as He reveals it to us. We can ask God in each moment, what would you have me do? Even with our imperfections and sins, we can obtain perfection in God’s time because God uses everything for our good (See Rom 8:28).

Also, meditate on 1 John 4:18 & 19. “Perfect love casts out fear.” Thus, we must trust that God loves us and wills our perfection more than we do ourselves. As he said, “you, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He gave us the means to do this through the Holy Spirit (See 14:18). So, trust God and have no fear. He loves you.
 
houston1 said:
I believe we all should strive for Christian perfection, that is perfect love of Jesus Christ. We can ask God to give us the grace to have a perfect love of Jesus. The focus is not so much on ourselves but it is in striving to do the holy and perfect will of God in our lives as He reveals it to us. We can ask God in each moment, what would you have me do? Even with our imperfections and sins, we can obtain perfection in God’s time because God uses everything for our good (See Rom 8:28).

Also, meditate on 1 John 4:18 & 19. “Perfect love casts out fear.” Thus, we must trust that God loves us and wills our perfection more than we do ourselves. As he said, “you, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He gave us the means to do this through the Holy Spirit (See 14:18). So, trust God and have no fear. He loves you.
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By his love, we can do his will. The question is, how much love do we want. If you want more, he will give it to you, but you will have to give up more in terms of earthly things.

I sometimes find myself drawing a line between me and his love. But, he never takes it away, unless through a fault of my own.
 
teeboy said:
By his love, we can do his will. The question is, how much love do we want. If you want more, he will give it to you, but you will have to give up more in terms of earthly things.

I sometimes find myself drawing a line between me and his love. But, he never takes it away, unless through a fault of my own.
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I agree. That is a good question. How much love do we want? Even if you start half-heartedly, perservere with begging God to give you His grace to want to love him more. It is worth the effort!!!
 
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