Letting go of perfectionism and embracing authenticity

I was listening to the radio when I heard the song "Human" by Christina Perry. It seems to describe the pain that is experienced when we are trying to be perfect for ourselves or someone else. The problem with perfectionism is that it often leads to being unauthentic.

I believe that in the pursuit of perfection we can become misguided believing that we have to change or hide some perceived "flaws" about ourselves. Pursuing perfection in and of itself is not a bad thing. The scriptures call us to "strive for perfection". Which I feel is a direction to "strive" for Christ, to be like Him and to do His will. But ultimately I believe that Christ desires us to be true to ourselves in our striving.

I believe that Christ wants us to be real and authentic even in being vulnerable and showing the flaws and imperfections of ourselves and our lives. He does not want us to hide who we are or the condition of our lives. If we are busy hiding we cannot begin the healing process, we cannot make improvements.

As the performer Drake says, "We are not here to fake perfection." We are going to make mistakes and we all have flaws. Christ simply asks us to strive for something better when we are able. And if we ask Him, He will always make us able.

Maybe it's time to free ourselves and others from the bondage of perfectionism and begin embracing authenticity. Even when being authentic may mean being vulnerable enough to show your imperfections for all the world to see. Just remember we are all full of imperfections. Please be patient with my imperfections while you seek patience for your own.

Below are the lyrics to "Human" by Christina Perry.


I can hold my breath
I can bite my tongue
I can stay awake for days
If that's what you want
Be your number one

I can fake a smile
I can force a laugh
I can dance and play the part
If that's what you ask
Give you all I am

I can do it

But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human

I can turn it on
Be a good machine
If that's what you need
Be your everything

I can do it
I'll get through it

But I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human

I'm only human
Just a little human

I can take so much
'Till I've had enough

'Cause I'm only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I'm only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
'Cause I'm only human