🧠 When Perfectionism Picks a Fight (Day 3 Renewing and Restoring the Mind)

Day 3 Devotion: Renewing and Restoring the Mind

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Scripture Focus: Colossians 3:10
“…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Have you ever felt like a failure? Insecure? Worthless? Unworthy?

Believe it or not, even with all the confidence I usually carry, I’ve had moments—and whole seasons—where I felt like a complete screw-up. Today was one of those moments.

I had the opportunity to read Stella Star’s Chicken Farm to the Bleckley County 21st Century Summer Program in Cochran, Georgia. I was honored to read to the kindergarten, first, and second grade classes. My heart was warm; my mind was focused… until page seven.

That’s when I saw it.
The typo. The missing word.

The English teacher inside me started to unravel. I even stopped reading mid-sentence to call it out. These sweet children didn’t notice, of course—but I did. In that split second, the old me tried to resurface: the recovering perfectionist, the one who ties her worth to her work.

Then—God whispered truth into the tension:
“Jennifer, the lesson is more important than this mistake.”

💡 Reflection of the Scripture

Colossians 3:10 tells us that the renewed mind is shaped into the image of the Creator. That means we’re being transformed—not just educated, not just corrected—but recreated. And sometimes, God uses page 7 mistakes to prune what perfectionism tries to protect.

Perfectionism says, “You’re only as valuable as your polish.”
God says, “You’re valuable because I’ve called you.” YES!!

Today in the classroom, I didn’t run or hide. I kept reading. Because the message of Stella Star’s Chicken Farm—a parable on stewardship from 1 Peter 4:10—was more important than the missing word.

God used the broken place to pour out purpose.
That’s renewal.

I realized this morning that my book, Stella Star’s Chicken Farm, is a parable that uses Stella and her chickens to teach kids about stewardship. The parable in the book focuses on:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Ironically, I amazingly lived out the very lesson, wrapped inside my children’s book parable. God has graciously given me the gift of creativity and of writing, and He placed a message to teach to His children inside of my heart.

Regardless of my humble children’s book and its missing word mistake, I sat in the reader’s chair.

Thank you, Lord, for the renewal of my mind, which allowed me the courage to read my story about stewardship, hoping that one, two, or more children would consider what they have been given.

I pray that they can be good stewards of what the Lord has so graciously given to them even if in the most small, yet sincere way.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV)
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.’”

🌿 The Mindset of Grace Over Perfection

When you get caught in your mistakes or your failures, don’t let the initial instinct to panic rule your mind. Don’t allow your perfectionistic thoughts drag your mind into a spiral of shame. Ultimately, give your renewed mind—rooted in Christ— authority to ground you! Stand your ground: keep giving, keep loving, keep focusing while you’re living out 1 Peter 4:10 with authenticity.

That is victory.

God didn’t call you because you’re flawless.
He called you because you’re faithful.

That one critical mistake couldn’t erase the impact of your patience, your perseverance, or the seeds of stewardship you planted in others. In fact, take this moment as a holy invitation to practice what you preach and to walk in freedom from the chains of perfectionism because God has freed and has renewed your mind.

You didn’t just receive renewal of your mind, but you will live it out through your faithful story–your testimony. You demonstrated it through your perseverance and your persistence in overcoming the mistakes.

🌿 Day 3 Bible Study: When Perfectionism Picks a Fight

📖 Anchor Scriptures

Colossians 3:10
“…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!”

🔍 Word Study:

“Put on” – Greek: enduo, meaning to clothe oneself intentionally. This is an active choice to live from our new identity.
“Renewed” – Greek: anakainoo, meaning to make fresh, to restore to a higher level of truth or spiritual reality.
“Image of its Creator” – Our minds are being reshaped to reflect Christ’s heart, not our own self-measured standards.

🪞 Supporting Scriptures to Reflect On Today

Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble… think about such things.”
Helps guide your thoughts away from negativity and toward truth.
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Reminds us that change begins inwardly, not in outward perfection.
Psalm 51:10-12 – “Create in me a pure heart… renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
A prayer for mental and spiritual renewal from the inside out.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”
Fear of failure or imperfection is not from Him.

💭 For Further Study Prompt

Ask yourself:

What lies or perfectionistic thoughts have I let take root in my thinking?
Have I tied my value to performance instead to God’s promises?
What area of my life needs a fresh mind renewal?

🎯 Challenge for the Day

Today, your challenge is simple, but powerful:

Write down one negative or perfectionistic thought that’s been infiltrating your mind.
Hold this thought up to scripture. What does God’s Word say instead?
Replace it. Write a truth-filled affirmation from the Bible next to it.

📝 Example:
“I’m not good enough.” → “I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Each time that thought returns, speak the truth over it aloud—you are actively renewing your mind by doing so.

🙏 Prayer:

Father, thank You for teaching me to hold your TRUTH over my flaws, and your purposes over pride. Thank You for the work You’re doing in my mind—that You are removing old patterns and making space for clarity, peace, and commission. When I fall into perfectionism or insecurity, remind me that You are not grading my efforts. You are shaping my heart. Thank You for using even my mistakes for Your glory. Amen.

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