Perfection Pending

 

Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

 

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If I were to ask which of the Lord’s commandments is most difficult to keep, many of us might cite Matt. 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
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Keepingthis commandment can be a concern because each of us is far fromperfect, both spiritually and temporally. Reminders come repeatedly. Wemay lock keys inside the car, or even forget where the car is parked.And not infrequently we walk intently from one part of the house toanother, only to forget the reason for the errand.

 

Whencomparing one’s personal performance with the supreme standard of theLord’s expectation, the reality of imperfection can at times bedepressing. My heart goes out to conscientious Saints who, because oftheir shortcomings, allow feelings of depression to rob them ofhappiness in life.

 

We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips! ² We also need to remember that the Lord gives no commandments that areimpossible to obey. But sometimes we fail to comprehend them fully.

 

Ourunderstanding of perfection might be aided if we classify it into twocategories. The first could pertain uniquely to this life—mortal perfection. The second category could pertain uniquely to the next life—immortal or eternal perfection.

 

Mortal Perfection

Inthis life, certain actions can be perfected. A baseball pitcher canthrow a no-hit, no-run ball game. A surgeon can perform an operationwithout an error. A musician can render a selection without a mistake.One can likewise achieve perfection in being punctual, paying tithing,keeping the Word of Wisdom, and so on. The enormous effort required toattain such self-mastery is rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction.More importantly, spiritual attainments in mortality accompany us intoeternity. ³

 

Jamesgave a practical standard by which mortal perfection could be measured.He said, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.” ⁴

 

Scriptures have described Noah, Seth, and Job as perfect men. ⁵ No doubt the same term might apply to a large number of faithfuldisciples in various dispensations. Alma said that “there were many,exceedingly great many,” ⁶ who were pure before the Lord.

 

Thisdoes not mean that these people never made mistakes or never had needof correction. The process of perfection includes challenges toovercome and steps to repentance that may be very painful. ⁷ There is a proper place for chastisement in the molding of character, for we know that “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” ⁸

 

Mortalperfection can be achieved as we try to perform every duty, keep everylaw, and strive to be as perfect in our sphere as our Heavenly Fatheris in his. If we do the best we can, the Lord will bless us accordingto our deeds and the desires of our hearts. ⁹

 

Eternal Perfection

ButJesus asked for more than mortal perfection. The moment he uttered thewords “even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” he raisedour sights beyond the bounds of mortality. Our Heavenly Father haseternal perfection. This very fact merits a much broader perspective.

 

Recently I studied the English and Greek editions of the New Testament, concentrating on each use of the term perfectand its derivatives. Studying both languages together provided someinteresting insights, since Greek was the original language of the NewTestament.

 

In Matt. 5:48, the term perfect was translated from the Greek teleios, which means “complete.” Teleios is an adjective derived from the noun telos, which means “end.” ¹⁰ The infinitive form of the verb is teleiono, which means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.” ¹¹ Please note that the word does not imply “freedom from error”; itimplies “achieving a distant objective.” In fact, when writers of theGreek New Testament wished to describe perfection of behavior—precisionor excellence of human effort—they did not employ a form of teleios; instead, they chose different words. ¹²

 

Teleios is not a total stranger to us. From it comes the prefix tele- that we use every day. Telephone literally means “distant talk.” Television means “to see distantly.” Telephoto means “distant light,” and so on.

 

Withthat background in mind, let us consider another highly significantstatement made by the Lord. Just prior to his crucifixion, he said thaton “the third day I shall be perfected.” ¹³ Think of that! The sinless, errorless Lord—already perfect by ourmortal standards—proclaimed his own state of perfection yet to be inthe future. ¹⁴ His eternal perfection would follow his resurrection and receipt of “all power … in heaven and in earth.” ¹⁵

 

Theperfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorlessperformance. It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord inhis great intercessory prayer to his Father—that we might be madeperfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead. ¹⁶

 

The Lord’s entire work and glory pertains to the immortality and eternal life of each human being. ¹⁷ He came into the world to do the will of his Father, who sent him. ¹⁸ His sacred responsibility was foreseen before the creation ¹⁹ and was foretold by all his holy prophets since the world began. ²⁰

 

The atonement of Christfulfilled the long-awaited purpose for which he had come to the earth.His concluding words upon Calvary’s cross referred to the culminationof his assignment—to atone for all humankind. Then he said, “It isfinished.” ²¹ Not surprisingly, the Greek word from which finished was derived is teleios.

 

That Jesus attained eternal perfection followinghis resurrection is confirmed in the Book of Mormon. It records thevisit of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America. Therehe repeated the important injunction previously cited but with one verysignificant addition. He said, “I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” ²² This time he listed himself along with his Father as a perfected personage. Previously he had not. ²³

 

Resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection. Thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ,our bodies, corruptible in mortality, will become incorruptible. Ourphysical frames, now subject to disease, death, and decay, will acquireimmortal glory. ²⁴ Presently sustained by the blood of life ²⁵ and ever aging, our bodies will be sustained by spirit and become changeless and beyond the bounds of death. ²⁶

 

Eternalperfection is reserved for those who overcome all things and inheritthe fulness of the Father in his heavenly mansions. Perfection consistsin gaining eternal life—the kind of life that God lives. ²⁷

 

Ordinances and Covenants of the Temple

Scripturesidentify other important prerequisites to eternal perfection. Theyrelate to the ordinances and covenants of the temple. ²⁸ No accountable individual can receive exaltation in the celestialkingdom without the ordinances of the temple. Endowments and sealingsare for our personal perfection and are secured through ourfaithfulness. ²⁹

 

This requirement also pertains to our ancestors. Paul taught “that they without us should not be made perfect.” ³⁰ Again, in that verse, the Greek term from which perfect was translated was a form of teleios. ³¹

 

Inlatter-day revelation, the Lord was even more explicit. His prophetwrote: “My dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you thatthese are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannotbe lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For theirsalvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. … They withoutus cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be madeperfect.” ³²

 

Encouragement from the Savior’s Example

Ourclimb up the path to perfection is aided by encouragement from thescriptures. They hold the promise that we shall, if faithful in allthings, become like Deity. John the beloved Apostle wrote:

 

“We should be called the sons [and daughters] of God. …

 

“… When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” ³³

 

Continuing encouragement comes as we follow the example of Jesus, who taught, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” ³⁴ His hope for us is crystal clear! He declared: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” ³⁵ Thus, our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus. ³⁶

 

Peoplehave never failed to follow Jesus because his standards were impreciseor insufficiently high. Quite to the contrary. Some have disregardedhis teachings because they were viewed as being too precise orimpractically high! Yet such lofty standards, when earnestly pursued,produce great inner peace and incomparable joy.

 

Thereis no other individual to compare with Jesus Christ, nor is there anyother exhortation equal to his sublime expression of hope: “I wouldthat ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven isperfect.” ³⁷

 

Thisdivine entreaty is consistent with the fact that, as begotten childrenof heavenly parents, we are endowed with the potential to become likethem, just as mortal children may become like their mortal parents.

 

TheLord restored his church to help us prepare for perfection. Paul saidthat the Savior placed in the Church Apostles, prophets, and teachers,“for the perfecting of the saints, … for the edifying of the body ofChrist:

 

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” ³⁸

 

The perfect man described in Paul’s quotation is the completed person—teleios—the glorified soul!

 

Moronitaught how to gain this glorious objective. His instruction stands inany age as an antidote for depression and a prescription for joy. Iecho his plea: “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and denyyourselves of all ungodliness; … love God with all your might, mind andstrength … [Then] ye may be perfect in Christ, … holy, [and] withoutspot.” ³⁹

 

Meanwhile,brothers and sisters, let us do the best we can and try to improve eachday. When our imperfections appear, we can keep trying to correct them.We can be more forgiving of flaws in ourselves and among those we love.We can be comforted and forbearing. The Lord taught, “Ye are not ableto abide the presence of God now … ; wherefore, continue in patienceuntil ye are perfected.” ⁴⁰

 

Weneed not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seemso arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full onlyafter the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all wholove him and keep his commandments. It includes thrones, kingdoms,principalities, powers, and dominions. ⁴¹ It is the end for which we are to endure. ⁴² It is the eternal perfection that God has in store for each of us. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

 

What Does It Mean to Be Perfect?

By Elder Cecil O. Samuelson
Of the Seventy

From a devotional given on March 19, 2002, at the Provo Missionary Training Center.

Cecil O. Samuelson, “What Does It Mean to Be Perfect?” New Era, Jan. 2006, 10
For over 20 years I was a professor and practitioner of medicine, and I have a concern that I know is shared by other General Authorities. A matter of great concern for some of you is the issue that mental health professionals describe as “perfectionism.” Interestingly, often those who struggle the most with issues of perfectionism are among the most talented people. They have often been excellent students, model children, and outstanding young people. Some, however, become so obsessed or consumed with their every thought, action, and response, that they may become far too extreme in their own perceptions of what is expected of them.

Continue in Patience

There is an understandable goal to follow the Savior’s direction to “be ye therefore perfect” (Matt. 5:48). While this goal is admirable and appropriate, it is unfortunate that some consider that this perfection must occur immediately. A careful study of the footnote in our scriptures to this verse teaches us that the notion of being perfect means that we are “complete, finished, fully developed.” Thus, while we should be engaged in the process of perfection, we need to acknowledge that achieving this goal will likely take a long time for all of us. The Lord said, “Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected” (D&C 67:13). This is good advice for all of us.

There clearly are some things in which you can be perfect. The payment of tithing and the behavioral aspects of the law of chastity are examples. There are other things, however, that most of us will need to work on throughout our entire lives and yet not reach the perfection that is eventually promised until the eternities if we are true and faithful. Matters such as having absolute faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, a complete understanding of the scriptures, always controlling our thoughts and our tongues are all issues that require persistence and patience.

Worthiness and Perfection

Occasionally, for well-motivated and highly devoted Latter-day Saints, confusion occurs about the differences between worthiness and perfection. Worthiness and perfection don’t mean the same thing! All of us are “works in process.” We can be worthy while still needing improvement.

Be sure that you do not have higher standards for yourself or others than the Lord has established. Find satisfaction in your progress while acknowledging that perfection may still be distant.

Our perceptions of ourselves may or may not be accurate, but more frequently than we may expect, they may differ from how others view us. Those suffering from perfectionism tend to be wonderful, contributing, and effective people, and yet may feel that no matter what they do, it is never enough. These good people suffer from exaggerating their minor mistakes, weaknesses, or shortcomings to the point that they may become dysfunctional.

Please note that I am not against modesty or humility. These are important and even cardinal virtues. Jesus taught us that we should be meek but not masochistic. When we become obsessed with our deficiencies or weaknesses and so focused upon them that we—of necessity—neglect everything else, then we are out of balance. The Lord shares an important insight: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

This is the Lord’s formula and promise for dealing with our weaknesses. We need to recognize them, but we do not glory in them or magnify them. For some of them, we do need to get appropriate help early.

Each of us needs to be absolutely honest with him or herself. Most of us do not always see ourselves as others see us or even as the Lord may see us. That is one of the reasons that we are provided with devoted and capable Church leaders to counsel with us, teach us, and support us. We must be absolutely honest with them in all the matters of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Wisdom and Order

Too many of us tend to glory in or dwell on our weaknesses, temptations, and shortcomings. We must recognize them, get help when that is appropriate, but move on as soon as possible and not be preoccupied with them. But when serious problems or challenges are facing us, neglecting them or repressing them almost always makes them worse rather than causing them to go away.

Let me assure you that you are literal sons and daughters of our loving Heavenly Father, who knows you and cares about you. This you must not only know but must never forget. If you always do your best with realistic expectations and understanding of both your strengths and weaknesses, you will be able to be an important part of this great work.

In King Benjamin’s wonderful address, the people under his stewardship were corrected, instructed, and inspired. He taught them of the Savior’s Atonement and also the capacity that they could have to put off the “natural man” and become saints (see Mosiah 3:19). He taught them of their tremendous responsibilities and helped them understand how they might retain a remission of their sins through faithfully keeping the covenants they had made and the commandments they had received. After all of this, remember these words of this wise prophet-king: “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27). All that we do must be done in “wisdom and order.”

May the Lord bless us all to understand clearly our potential and place. May we have the courage to stand tall in the face of our challenges, the wisdom to get help when we need it, and the faith to know that the Lord will bless His servants who are doing their best.

More Quotes from the Brethren:

“We all need to remember: men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips!”
—Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Perfection Pending,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 86.

“Worthiness is a process, and perfection is an eternal trek. We can be worthy to enjoy certain privileges without being perfect.”
—Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915–1994), “On Being Worthy,” Ensign, May 1989, 20.

“The Church is ‘for the perfecting of the saints’ (Eph. 4:12); it is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected.”
—Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004), “A Brother Offended,” Ensign, May 1982, 38.

What Is Perfectionism?

Perfectionism is a medical condition characterized by severe self-criticism and self-doubt, often accompanied by anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behavior. It can lead to appetite and sleep disturbances, confusion, problems in relationships, inability to concentrate, procrastination of important tasks, and, if left untreated, major depression, anxiety disorders, and suicide.

What’s the Difference?

Doing Your Best	Perfectionism
You desire to give things your best efforts and are satisfied when you do.	You have a list of “shoulds” and “have to’s” and are dissatisfied even if you complete them.
You know it’s okay if you make a mistake. You move on and see your mistake as an opportunity for growth or learning.	Mistakes bring feelings of self-hatred. You don’t want to do anything because you are afraid of failure.
You want to do your personal best, and you try not to compare your achievements to those of others. You don’t need to be the best at all things.	You feel tremendous pressure to earn others’ approval. You must be the best or “perfect” in your tasks.
You can find joy in doing the things you love, and you can get things accomplished.	Your need to do things perfectly leads to procrastination until you have time to do it “perfectly,” and you feel driven by fear or duty instead of love.
Trying to do your best and perfecting yourself “line upon line” with the Savior’s help is Christ-centered because you need the Atonement.	Perfectionism is self-centered. You measure yourself against your own standards and against others’ standards, not God’s.

6: Perfection Required

Not only do celestial laws govern outcomes of a given thought, feeling, or action but ultimately Heavenly Father himself requires each of us to be perfect in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. No one can return to live with him without first meeting that standard.  Perfection in thoughts, feelings, and actions is the requirement. (Gen 17:1; 1Kgs 8:61; Ps.18:30; Matt 5:48; 3 Ne. 12:48; Col 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17; Heb 12:23; D&C 1:31)