Progress Over Perfection
How often do we find ourselves striving for perfection, only to fall short daily? It can feel like no matter how hard we try, we never quite measure up. And the truth? We never will. Perfection isn’t something we can achieve—it’s impossible.
Over the past year, I’ve reminded myself to focus on progress and growth instead of perfection. But no matter how much I try, my mind still drifts back to wanting to do everything just right. It’s exhausting and, honestly, discouraging. The reality is, I will never be perfect—none of us will. We are human, flawed and imperfect, yet still deeply loved by a perfect God.
That’s why we must train our minds to pursue progress, not perfection. Progress means growth, and growth is what we long for as followers of Christ. We desire to grow in wisdom, kindness, forgiveness, love, and grace. We want to be better, to love deeper, to reflect Christ more. And that’s exactly what God calls us to do—to become more like Him, to be refined, stretched, and transformed.
Even though God knew we would choose our own desires over Him, He still covered us in grace. He knew that in our human nature, we would stumble, make mistakes, and fall short. No matter how much we long to do what is right, our hearts are prone to wander. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23.
But that’s where His perfect grace steps in. His love was never dependent on our ability to get it right. That’s why He sent Jesus—the only perfect One—so that in Him, we could be redeemed and made whole. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8.
Our journey isn’t about striving to be flawless. It’s about growing in Him, deepening our relationship, and trusting His plan over our own. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6.
At the end of the day, it’s not about our will, but His. Not about our works, but His perfect work in us.
One day, we will stand before Him, and our goal should not be to list all the ways we tried to be perfect. Instead, we should long to hear Him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23. That is the reward—not perfection, but faithfulness.
So whether we are in a season of struggle or a season of joy, whether we feel like we are falling behind or moving forward, let’s remember this: He is our rock, our safe place, and our source of strength. It is when we are planted in Him that we truly grow.
And that growth? That’s what really matters. As we move forward, let’s remind ourselves that perfection is not the goal—growth is. With each step, each moment of surrender, we are being shaped into the person God calls us to be. Trust in the process, trust in His grace, and remember: it’s not about getting it all right, but about being faithful, every step of the way. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep leaning into His love. He’s not finished with us yet.