Perfection Is A Process

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Have you have ever been intimidated by the following scripture?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
—Matthew 5:48

I was somewhat intimidated in the past by this scripture until I read this article by Jeffrey R. Holland where he states, “I believe that Jesus did not intend His sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings.” I hope you will read the following article because I believe it will bring you great hope. This is a short excerpt:

What I now say in no way denies or diminishes any commandment God has ever given us. I believe in His perfection, and I know we are His spiritual sons and daughters with divine potential to become as He is. I also know that, as children of God, we should not demean or vilify ourselves, as if beating up on ourselves is somehow going to make us the person God wants us to become. No! With a willingness to repent and a desire for increased righteousness always in our hearts, I would hope we could pursue personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include getting ulcers or anorexia, feeling depressed or demolishing our self-esteem. … I believe that Jesus did not intend His sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings.

Here are two other quotes I like:

"Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”
—Mark Twain

“Perfection is the enemy of progress.”
—Winston Churchill

I now take joy in the baby steps of growth I make each day,  and I also kindly acknowledge to myself my human weaknesses when I slip backward from time to time. I am resolved to keep going forward. l will always keep trying!