The Idea of Perfection

Who has ever thought about being perfect? People are quick to admit, "no one is perfect," but what if our thoughts turned to a love of perfection and not a distancing of the idea in our thinking.

One can only love perfection by doing it. Until then it is not perfection but the idea of it. Some are attracted to the idea of it because of the pain and discomfort involved in the becomming. Only One is and has been perfect and although He was always perfect He also went through stages of becomming. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and sature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52

People on earth are not intended to be perfect in the way that Jesus was perfect, but in a way dependent on Him to reach that perfection. Still, there are ways of being perfect and things that can be done with perfection. Every good and righteous act brings us closer to perfection.

What are the good and righteous acts to pursue in order to reach perfection? One can have the idea of perfection in their minds. This idea of perfection, understanding what kind of perfection is possible for us, comes through experience and this we also call hope. Having hope is essential in order to obey commandments and have charity, doing charitable works. Hope also means that we have an understanding of what that perfection means or looks like and also what we have to do to get it, knowing that through Christ it is possible and will happen.

Perfection, or the attainment of it is a matter of trust and faith and also a matter of stubborn application. Without going through the steps of repentence perfection cannot be reached. Going through repentence means that we are on a path towards greater acts of goodness and obedience. Christ cannot bestow upon us perfection through the atonement if we are unable to live perfection. Repentence is practice in living perfection. What good would it do us to be permitted into a heaven or an eternal life where the laws that govern that existence we are not able to live? If one cannot practice in one's life a choice of following the laws one cannot ever be expected to.

Self-mastery is a choice in the moment based on an outlook towards perfection. If one cannot make a choice delaying gratification that will further subdue desires for instant gratification then one cannot reach the endpoint of perfection. Having the ideal in mind must precede and give reason to the moment. Experienced athletes are often told to live in the moment. The choice in the moment matters and also shapes future desires. If one does not have desires for perfection it is because there is a weakness in making choices.

We are taught of heaven and hell, of the Atonement and repentence so that we will have the basis of the Plan of Salvation in our minds when we envision our futures. Our futures need to be pefection and our perfection depends on the current moment first.

Note: This Essay was not Pefected