Sue Schlesman: Breaking Free From The Prison Of Perfectionism

Have you ever struggled with perfectionism? You feel like if you can get everything “just right” you can avoid any unpleasantness and everyone will love you. The problem is you end up weighed down and exhausted. Author and speaker Sue Schlesman has battled perfectionism in many areas of life.  We dive into the struggle of perfectionism—how it takes hold of our hearts, fuels comparison, and steals our joy. Together, we explore the difference between excellence and perfection, how Biblical perfection differs from the pressure of worldly perfectionism, and why our motivation is the key to detection.

Sue Schlesman is an author, teacher, and church leader. With a Master’s in Theology and Culture, Sue is active in teaching and writing about transformative faith. Her articles appear in a variety of publications. Sue’s book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places won a Selah Award. She has a passion for poetry, missions, justice, traveling, reading, the local church, and her family. You can find her writing about life, culture, and Jesus at www.sueschlesman.com .

Quotes:

“We think perfectionism is our friend because if we attain it then everybody thinks we’re good.”

“We don’t slow down enough to actually be present with the things that matter.”

*“The word perfect in Greek means to be finished, complete, lacking nothing, mature. It doesn’t mean successful. It means completed.”

“There’s nothing in Scripture that ever advocates staying the same.”  

*“Christianity is growth.”

*“What’s your next step?”

“The mission of God is always moving.”

“Is this about me or about the mission of God?”

“Jesus never forfeited the task, which was winning souls. And He never did it at the expense of people.”

*“He loves bringing imperfect people into His story to carry out His mission, knowing they’re going to mess it up most of the time!”