Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist - Part 11

Joseph Smith, in Lectures on Faith wrote:

“Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

1. First, the idea that He actually exists.

2. Secondly, a correct idea of His character, perfections, and attributes.

3. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to His will.”  

(Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, 3:2-5)

As I’ve encountered this teaching over the years, the first two points are great and I believe I can comply with them.  It’s the third point that has given me cause to hesitate: A knowledge that the course of life I am pursuing is in accordance with His will.  

This is an interesting consideration.  Does this mean that I need to be perfect?  No.  It means that my journey is acceptable to God.  I believe that every positive step on that journey, every effort I make is pleasing to God, and in accordance with His will for me at that point in my progression.  

He doesn’t expect me to run faster than I have strength.  He wants me to progress line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.  (See 2 Nephi 28:30 and Isaiah 28:13.)

Here’s a concept that was stated by Pres. Lorenzo Snow, Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith, Pres. Thomas S. Monson, and Elder David A. Bednar (and most recently in last October Conference by Elder Larry A. Lawrence) about just becoming a little better each day:

Pres. Lorenzo Snow:  “Do not expect to become perfect at once.  If you do, you will be disappointed.  Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today.”  (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 6.)

Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith:  “It is our duty to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today.”  (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 18.)

Pres. Thomas S.  Monson:  “In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide our thinking: Am I what I want to be? Am I closer to the Savior today than I was yesterday? Will I be closer yet tomorrow? Do I have the courage to change for the better?”  (General Conference, Oct. 1999)

Elder David A. Bednar:  “If today you are a little bit better than you were yesterday, then that’s enough. And, if tomorrow you are a little bit better than you were today, then that’s enough.”  (Facebook Post)

I also like this statement by Brigham Young. He is often seen as a very strict and rigid man, when it comes to keeping commandments, so this seemed out of character:  

“It may appear strange to some of you, and it certainly does to the world, to say it is possible for a man or woman to become perfect on this earth.  It is written, ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ If this passage is not worded to our understanding we can alter the phraseology of the sentence, and say, ‘Be ye as perfect as ye can,’ for that is all we can do, though it is written, be ye perfect as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. . . . When we are doing as well as we know how in the sphere and station which we occupy here, we are justified in the justice, righteousness, mercy, and judgment that go before the Lord of heaven and earth. We are as justified as the angels who are before the throne of God. (Discourses of Brigham Young, 89).

To me, that helps me to know that if I’m getting a little better every day, then that’s all the Lord expects of me -- the course of life I’m pursuing is in accordance with His will.  And this should enable me to exercise greater faith in Him.  

To be continued . . . with Part 12.

Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist - Part 8

As I watched General Conference earlier this month, I listened for particular teachings that might address the kinds of issues and challenges that might benefit us perfectionists.  Here are gems from three of my favorites:

Sister Neill F. Marriott and her family chose this family motto:  “It will all work out.”  She says, “Our family motto doesn’t say, ‘It will all work out now.’  It speaks of our hope in the eternal outcome—not necessarily of present results.  Scripture says, “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good.”  This doesn’t mean all things are good, but for the meek and faithful, things—both positive and negative—work together for good, and the timing is the Lord’s.”  

She also taught:  “Some may think they have failed too many times and feel too weak to change . . .  However, as covenant Israel, we don’t just try and try on our own to change.  If we earnestly appeal to God, He takes us as we are—and makes us more than we ever imagined.  Noted theologian Robert L. Millet writes of ‘a healthy longing to improve,’ balanced with the spiritual ‘assurance that in and through Jesus Christ we are going to make it.’”

Elder Larry R. Lawrence quoted President Harold B. Lee:  “Every one of us, if we would reach perfection, must [at] one time ask ourselves this question, ‘What lack I yet?’”

“The Holy Ghost doesn’t tell us to improve everything at once.  If He did, we would become discouraged and give up.  The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time, or as the Lord has taught, ‘line upon line, precept upon precept.’”

“The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but He is also able to show us our strengths. Sometimes we need to ask what we are doing right so that the Lord can lift and encourage us. . . . Our Heavenly Father knows our divine potential.  He rejoices every time we take a step forward.  To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed.

“Be persistent, brothers and sisters, but never be discouraged.  We will have to go beyond the grave before we actually reach perfection, but here in mortality we can lay the foundation.  ‘It is our duty to be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we are today.’”

Elder Dale G. Renlund spoke several things that resonated with me.  Because I have experienced the numbing of my emotions, I related to his description that “I developed a kind of emotional distance when things went poorly.  That way, feelings of sadness and disappointment were tempered.”

“I now realize that in the Church, to effectively serve others we must see them through a parent’s eyes, through Heavenly Father’s eyes.  Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul.  Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all of His children.  Only then can we sense the Savior’s caring concern for them.  We cannot completely fulfill our covenant obligation to mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort unless we see them through God’s eyes.”

I guess the reason I like these teachings is because they give me hope—hope that I don’t need to do it all . . . right now . . . on my own.  I love to hear God’s servants.  Their words encourage and uplift me.  They strengthen my faith.  I testify that they speak light and truth.  

To be continued . . . with Part 9.