The Cure for Perfectionism

Main message: Ecclesiastes teaches that much of what we chase in life is fleeting ("hevel" — vapor), and the antidote to perfectionism and anxiety is to properly order our loves by fearing God and keeping his commandments, which brings meaning and peace.

Key points:

• The repeated Hebrew word hevel (vapor/smoke) in Ecclesiastes points to life's transience — things that seem solid (money, status, beauty) slip away.
• If read only superficially, Ecclesiastes can sound nihilistic, but the book's conclusion reframes everything.
• The conclusion: "Fear God and keep his commandments" — God will bring every deed into judgment, including hidden things.
• Jesus' summary of the law (love God and love your neighbor) aligns with this final charge.
• Properly ordering your affections around God frees you from striving after fleeting perfection and relieves anxiety.

Scriptures mentioned: Ecclesiastes 1:2, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14