Be Patient With Yourself

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." 

This was Jesus’ counsel to his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 48)

 We usually associate the word “perfect” with 100% and no mistakes. Being mortal, we know that’s a very tall order and one we likely can’t achieve. But when we look at the origin of the word that was translated “perfect,” Christ’s counsel seems doable.

Russell Nelson explains it this way. 

 “In Matthew 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.” The infinitive form of the verb is teleiono, which means “to reach a distant end, to be fully developed, to consummate, or to finish.” Please note that the word does not imply “freedom from error”; it implies “achieving a distant objective.” In fact, when writers of the Greek New Testament wished to describe perfection of behavior—precision or excellence of human effort—they did not employ a form of teleios; instead, they chose different words"

In another talk, Russell Nelson said, "Be patient with yourself. Perfection comes not in this life, but in the next life. Don't demand things that are unreasonable, but demand of yourself improvement. As you let the Lord help you through that, He will make the difference." 

I'm glad to know "perfection" is possible. I'm glad to know I can continue to work on it after my journey on earth is completed. I'm thankful I don't have to do it alone.