By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.
—2 Peter 1:3
God is a God of excellence. He made that very clear when He gave detailed instructions to the Israelites for building the Tabernacle, exactly according to the plans He showed them (Exodus 29:5). In Exodus 25-31, He gave them a blueprint with specifications for the framework, dimensions, and materials to be used for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. He included detailed plans for
the Ark of the Covenant, the table, lamp stand, alters, and the priest’s clothing, right down to the tinkling bells attached to the bottom of the Aaron’s robe (Exodus 25:9). When He was finished with His instructions, He assigned craftsmen and gifted them with wisdom, skill, and intelligence to complete the work (Exodus 36:1). 
Exodus 35-40 records the actual construction, with Moses inspecting each piece to make sure it was crafted exactly as the Lord commanded (Exodus 39:42).
God sets the bar for excellence. I want to be the best wife, mother, grandmother, author, and pastor I can be. But if I’m not careful, my desire for godly excellence can slip into perfectionism. Perfectionism is a counterfeit of excellence. It is a lie planted by the enemy that tells me my best is never good enough. It leaves me anxious and worried that I might fail. It causes me to strive for the praise and approval of people instead of God. It deceives me into thinking I am solely responsible for the results of my efforts. Perfectionism causes me to live in fear and frustration, and to never be fully satisfied with my performance, and often, the performance of others.
When I live according to God’s standard of excellence, I put forth my best effort and leave the rest up to Him. Instead of working for the praise and approval of people, I work only for God (Colossians 3:23). I depend on Him for results, because I know I can do nothing apart from Him (John 15:5). I live in peace knowing He is pleased with me because I’m doing my best for His glory, not mine.
Over the years, I’ve learned that God cares much more about perfecting me than 
perfecting my skills in parenting, grandparenting, writing, pastoring, or anything else I do for Him. The only way I am perfect is in Christ. By His divine power, I have everything I need to complete the work He assigns to me. I am free of the bondage of perfectionism and free from striving to measure up. His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). If you are struggling with perfectionism, please repent and renounce the lie that you can never be satisfied with your performance. Release the results of your efforts to God. By His marvelous glory and excellence, your best is always good enough.
Excerpted from Peace For Each Hour by Mary J. Nelson; Copyright © 2012; ISBN 978-1938388170; Published by Comfort Publishers; Unauthorized duplication prohibited.