MARCH 31: Performance vs. Acceptance
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Think about this: Do you live your every day life thinking more about how you can best perform or be perfect, or do you live thinking more about the truth that God accepts you?
For those who live by performing or trying to be perfect, author and researcher Brené Brown writes in The Gifts of Imperfection4, “Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgement, and shame.” Brown’s understanding of performance or perfectionism aligns well with Romans 3:21-31. We can try to overcome our sinful tendencies on our own, but our efforts won’t produce any real fruit. Instead, it is simply by our faith that we can avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame.
The Life Application Study Bible notes on Romans 3:28, (1) Faith eliminates the pride of human effort, because faith is not a deed that we do. (2) Faith exalts what God has done, not what we do. (3) Faith admits that we can’t keep the law or measure up to God’s standards—we need help. (4) Faith is based on our relationship with God, not our performance for God.
READING & JOURNALING:
Be honest: Do you live more by performance and/or perfection or in the acceptance, security, and significance given to you by your faith in Jesus Christ?
How ought your faith in Christ free you from the burdens of trying to perform for God/others?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess there are many days when I try to perform by either living perfect, looking perfect, and/or acting perfect in order to minimize the pain of blame, judgement, and shame. But these thoughts often lead me to experience more feelings of judgement and shame because perfectionism cannot be attained on my own. I am only accepted, significant, and secure3 because of Christ. May these truths continue to shape how I see You, myself, and others. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: Esther 8, 9, & 10
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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