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.