The Good Samaritan... and the Not-So-Good Perfectionist

“Like the debts of the wounded traveler, Jesus, like the good Samaritan, has said of all my future sinfulness, 'Set that to My account.'" – C.H. Spurgeon

Past… present… and future.

If you are a perfectionist like me, it is extremely difficult to let go of your past failures, let alone to forgive yourself for them. At least for me, it is much easier to cut someone else some slack for falling short than it is to offer and accept that same grace myself.

In the present, I still battle perfectionism, always striving to be the best version of me that I can possibly be – whether that is spiritually, professionally, athletically, intellectually, or relationally. I know, I know, that’s a pretty tall task and every time I inevitably fall short, I experience some momentary disappointment in myself before buckling down and pressing forward, determined not to repeat the same stupid mistake twice (I just wish I could say that I never do.)

And then there’s the future, so full of unknowns. Even if I have succeeded in the past and that success has carried over into the present, how long can I sustain it into the future? You talk about pressure!

Well, my friend, the parable of the Good Samaritan is a good place to turn when you are feeling overwhelmed by your past, your present, and/or your future. You see, the Samaritan took pity on the anonymous traveler who had been robbed, beaten, and left for dead (the past). He then nursed the traveler’s wounds, loaded him onto his own donkey, and brought him to a local inn where he cared for him throughout the night (the present). Then, because the Samaritan had to be on his way in the morning but the injured man wasn’t fit to travel, he gave the innkeeper money to see to his needs. He even promised to pay the innkeeper extra when he returned if the man’s food, lodging, and medical bills exceeded his original payment (the future).

God’s love, provision, and forgiveness are just like the compassion and care shown by the Good Samaritan. Regardless of the ugliness of our past, He loves and forgives us; and regardless of the present, He is there to provide and protect every step of the way. As for the future, He is already there… and so are all His tender mercies, which are new every morning (see verses below).

“Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 (BSB)

“The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President