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 pursue 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.
176 pages.
Contents
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Introduction
1. The Perfectionist’s Ache
A Prayer for Rest
2. Knowledge
A Prayer for When You Fear You’re a Fake
3. Mercy
A Prayer for When You Hear the Voice of Condemnation
4. Law
A Prayer for When You Feel Like You’re Always Doing Something Wrong
5. Peace
A Prayer for When You’re Afraid to Pray
6. Patience
A Prayer for When All You Can See Is All Your Failures
7. Providence
A Prayer for When You Fear Missing His Voice (For All That’s Left Undone)
8. Love
A Prayer for When Your Best Doesn’t Feel Good Enough
9. There Remains a Rest
Appendix: Discussion/Journaling Questions & Resources for Further Study
Peace over Perfection: Enjoying a Good God When You Feel You're Never Good Enough is in the following collections: