Monday Morning Manna: Working Toward Perfection

My role models have all been workaholics. Many of these have also been perfectionists. This is a dangerous mixture. Trying to justify such a lifestyle, I searched the scriptures, until I discovered Jesus saying in His sermon on the mount, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Then I learned that Jesus is here setting a goal, that is certain to be impossible. The pursuit of perfection is important, even if the attainment of it is impossible. The legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said, Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” What about the workaholic idea? Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). In other words, “Get ‘er done before dark.” On one hand, I am tired from working toward perfection. On the other hand, I have accomplished much more than those who are content with simply working an eight-hour day with average production. Am I sorry that I became a workaholic perfectionist? Not for a minute. Do I recommend it for others? Only if you are at least partly crazy.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.