Romans 12:3 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Ladies, why are we so hard on ourselves?

My husband sometimes has to remind me to take off the boxing gloves. I fall into traps of being discouraged about my progress or thinking there's even more I should "be" or "do." In some ways, it's a form of perfectionism. Wanting things to be perfectly efficient, or having an image of being "all together," or wanting to be liked by everyone.

It seems like an innocent hangup really. I mean, wanting to do things right is a responsible, caring attitude, correct? If I worry over things being perfect, it just means that the people, activity or situation means something to me, right?

But do you know what it really is?

Pride.

That's right. One of the sins God hates. The thing that comes "before a fall." An attitude that deep down is really quite selfish.

We want to look good. But it's about making God look good.

We want others to think our home is orderly. But it's about creating a relaxing, warm environment for THEM to enjoy.

We want to avoid hearing critical comments from family or friends who think they do it better than we do. But it's about being patient and realizing our worth doesn't come from their opinion.

Perfectionism is insidious because it masquerades well as a "caring" sin. It doesn't seem nearly as bad as anger, lust, violence, immorality, stealing, etc. But it is a pervasive cancer of a sin that reveals where our trust and love really lies.

This article may convict you. Good. It does me. But it's not meant to condemn. Don't let the Enemy use this article to beat you up further. But prayerfully consider if your desire for order, efficiency and yes, perfection, is motivated by a biblical response to God and others.