For some reason, our society has developed such a high level of competition that there is no room for mistakes. "Black-and-white thinking says everything is either absolutely perfect or hopelessly flawed." Yet, we understand through the gospel, that we learn "line upon line and precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12).We must understand, and teach our children to understand, that "it is sometimes perfectly fine to do all (you) can and that it is not always possible to be the very best."
Apply this teaching to your family scripture study. Yes, the goal is perfection, but we are not perfect. Do your best, and do better next time. You will find that "His grace is 'sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ'"(Moroni 10:32) (italics added).
Take this perfectionist quiz and consider using it with your children for a Family Home Evening lesson. You may be surprised at some of the concerns they are hiding.
True or False
1) I get frustrated when I don’t learn something quickly enough.
2) I often wish I was as good at things as other people.
3) I sometimes have a hard time sleeping because I worry about not getting things done.
4) I often put things off (procrastinate) because I’m afraid I might not do it well enough.
5) I get upset when I do what I should, but it doesn’t seem to work.
6) I feel like I want to be perfect, but I know it can never happen.
7) I am sometimes afraid that no one will love me because I am not good enough.
8) I get frustrated at others because they are not trying hard enough.
9) I often feel like I will be happy when I can finally learn or do (fill in the blank).
10) When I do something, I am worried about winning more than enjoying and learning.
Add up all your T’s. The more T’s you have the more you may lean towards perfectionism. Let’s learn about being Perfected in Christ.
See Elder Gong's article in July 2014 Ensign/Liahona
https://www.lds.org/liahona/2014/07/young-adults/becoming-perfect-in-christ?lang=eng&query=perfectionism
No comments:
Post a Comment