Eternal Truths Series September - Perfection

A woman holding a small baby, combined with the words “One thing that hinders … resilience is misunderstanding the commandment to be perfect.”

"Purrfeckshun" is not required:  None of us will be perfect in this life, and the great news is, it’s not required! Perfectionism was Satan's plan. He wanted to impose His will to prevent all sin, thereby earning a prideful honor by his perfect performance (“not one soul shall be lost”). Perfectionism and other forms of pride are based on insecurity and proving one's superiority: comparing, competing, contending, criticizing, and controlling. God’s plan involves sin and error, learning by experience, and daily humble joyful repentance, relying wholly on Christ.

How can we avoid perfectionism?  By not taking ourselves (including our performance, appearance and image) so seriously. By instilling within a gentle sense of humor and an attitude of self-forgiveness and compassion.  By trusting the atonement and being humble, open, vulnerable, and real


SCRIPTURES:

Principle

...the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection, Heb. 6:1–3The elders, priests, and teachers shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the scriptures, D&C 42:12Be instructed more perfectly in principle, in doctrine, in all things, D&C 88:78 (D&C 97:14)....

Psalms 119:96

I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad. 

JST, Hebrews 6:3

And we will go on unto perfection if God permit. 

Lamentations 2:15

All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth? 

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection

Job 28:3

He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. 

Hebrews 6:1

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 

Job 11:7

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection

Job 15:29

He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth. 

Psalms 50:2

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. 

Luke 8:14

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection

Hebrews 7:11

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

Isaiah 47:9

But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments. 

Alma 32:26

Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge. 

James 3

The General Epistle of JamesChapter 3By governing the tongue, we gain perfection—Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, and full of mercy. 

1 Peter 5

The First Epistle General of PeterChapter 5The elders are to feed the flock of God—Humility and godly graces lead to perfection



GENERAL CONFERENCE

Pathways to Perfection - Thomas S. Monson


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