Many Christians, often without even realising it, struggle with a type of Christian perfectionism. We strive to please God but are plagued with anxiety about making mistakes. We want to do God’s will but live with a self-berating inner voice even as we seek to serve him. We sincerely believe the gospel and love Jesus but struggle with never feeling good enough before God.
How can Christians wholeheartedly pursue God without an undercurrent of guilt, fear or anxiety? How can imperfect people experience God's peace while seeking to obey his perfect standards?
Author Faith Chang addresses the struggles of her fellow "Christian perfectionists" through meditations on God’s character. With nuance ...and care, she writes for those who seek to grow in Christ and live for God’s glory yet live in fear of failure. She explores the Bible to show that as God deals with us as in-process people, he is far more merciful, righteous and patient than we may have imagined. As we consider how he interacts bountifully with us, the weary and scrupulous Christian perfectionist will be freed to serve God while experiencing his love and peace.
There are prayers between each chapter for specific situations Christian perfectionists face, such as “A Prayer for When You Feel You’re a Fake.” Reflection questions are included for those reading the book in small groups or one to one.
(Review written for 'Peace over Perfection')
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and found myself wanting to soak every word so deeply I also bought a physical copy to annotate so I could easily return to it.
I didn't expect much, but the outlay of the book spoke to me. I definitely struggle with perfectionism insofar as I understand the perfect standard of Christ, and feel my deep lack and shortcoming before it. Especially being in a season of young children, all ability I ...previously had to chase that standard feels like it has withered away.
But in this season, messages like this one from Faith have been so life giving. Reminders to rest firmly in my God-given identity. To view myself as God views me first and foremost: loved and redeemed by the work of Christ on the cross.
One aspect that Faith excels at in her writing is pulling out that truth. A trademark of my own perfectionism is the phrase 'I know'. 'I know' what's expected, 'I know' how it should be done. Faith takes hold of these assumptions of knowledge by those who struggle with Christian perfectionism and gently says 'You know, but let me help you understand'.
God has promised peace to his people, and Faith lovingly reminds and affirms it is not an empty promise.
(Review written for 'Peace over Perfection')
Chang shares in such vulnerable, relatable way. Showing us the sinful base and desires of perfectionism as well as the hope we have in Jesus Christ. The author shares many perfection shifts and practical tips to combat perfectionism. The gospel is presented in all it's grace.
"As you take steps to find help for your perfectionism, you don't carry the weight of your own deliverance."
"Our temptation in the shadow of the fall is to deny our sinfulness or try to fix it on our own. Knowing both options are deadly, God makes us confront the painful reality of our situation."
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
(Review written for 'Peace over Perfection')
This is an encouraging and helpful book! I found I didn't relate to it as much as I expected - my struggles with perfectionism come from a different place than the author's - but that does not diminish its value. I still found it helpful, and I expect many others will as well. And I enjoyed the prayers!
