Expert: Scott Talbot - 5/7/2007

Question
QUESTION: I was wondering if you had any advice in an area  am struggling with, which is
not allowing myself to over-analyze every detail in being a Christian. Satan
tends to attack me in this department and I feel if everything is not perfect I
have to go through a checklist and convince myself everything is ok. The
process is frustrating and makes me feel crazy. I was just wondering if you could
point me in the right direction. Thanks.
ANSWER: Hello, Heath,

It's good to hear from you. I would be happy to help you with your question. However, I need some clarification. Would you be kind enough to elaborate and to explain what you mean by "over-analyzing" and "perfect"? Please include examples.

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: By overanalyzing, an example would be I was at the park helping babysit a
younger child with another friend and the child approached a dog and I
rushed over. I had an honest mindset and stated "My immediate reaction was
that the Logan (the small boy being babysat) would be ok b/c the dogs owner
wasn't worried when he approached her dog." Later on I felt like that was not
my immediate reaction and had to explain to my friend what I was feeling and
they were saying it's ok you had an honest mindset don't worry about stuff
like that. But I do and it can be overwhelming at times. That's kind of what I
meant by "perfection" in the sense that I have to make sure things that I say
are completely true and have to go through a checklist to  make sure that
they are even when I have an honest mindset. Thanks
ANSWER: Thanks for the clarification.

Why do you think you worry about things like that? Why do you feel the need to "go through a checklist," as you say? (Explain what you mean by going through a checklist.)

Are you afraid of something? Is guilt involved? Is it simply an inexplicable compulsion that makes no sense but you find difficult to escape?

If you can tell me what you're thinking and feeling, I may be able to offer some insight.

Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It feels like I have to compulsively make sure I'm telling the truth. And that's why I have to make sure every aspect of what I said is ok in some circumstances (going through checklist) and I was wondering if you had advice or what to read in my bible to better help me understand how to rid myself of this. Thanks

Answer
But why do you feel this way? Is there a reason that you can put into words? Is it a feeling you have? Exactly what are you thinking? What are you feeling? Is it something that involves some sort of logic in your mind? If so, what is your logic, your reasoning? If not, is it something that you just feel compelled to do without being able to explain why?

Sorry for all the questions, but I want to understand before I attempt an answer.

Scott