The Glorious Truth: Perfection Isn't About Being Flawless, It's About Following Christ

Do you ever find yourself in a discussion—maybe with a friend, a neighbor, or even a family member—where the conversation circles back to the phrase, “Nobody’s perfect”?

It’s a saying meant to soften the blow, to encourage grace and acceptance. And while grace is absolutely essential, the Spirit often guides us toward a deeper truth. As Latter-day Saints, we are taught to strive for a perfection that doesn't come from our own effort, but from the constant, daily following of Jesus Christ.

When I was in the field, I spent so much time worrying about *my* imperfections. I thought that if I could just be better—more articulate, more knowledgeable, less nervous—that I would be a better missionary. It felt like a performance, a checklist of things I had to *be* before I could share the gospel. I quickly learned that the gospel isn't about achieving a perfect score on a spiritual exam; it's about walking the path with a willingness to stumble and a commitment to getting back up.

The truth that often gets lost in the chatter is that the standard of perfection the Savior sets is not a biological or behavioral standard. It is a spiritual standard: the unwavering commitment to follow Him. When we talk about being perfect, we aren't talking about zero mistakes; we are talking about having a constant, Christlike desire to keep turning toward the Savior, no matter how far we wander.

I recently saw a video that really hit this point home, challenging that common adage. It was a powerful reminder that the gospel standard is higher than what the world allows us to accept. The ones who follow Jesus by faith—they are striving for perfection. They are disciples.

The Gospel Standard: Striving, Not Perfection

As returned missionaries, we often feel the weight of what we learned in the MTC—that we have a divine mandate to share the gospel. But sometimes, the weight can feel overwhelming. We might feel like we must have all the answers for every investigator, or that we must be flawless in every missionary discussion.

But remember the core principle: we don't have to be perfect to share the gospel. We just have to be willing to share the gospel, anchored in the truth that Christ taught us how to live. The work is done by the Spirit, and we are merely the conduits. Our job is to teach the principle of the Atonement, and that principle itself embraces our imperfections. It is through our flaws that we recognize our need for grace, and that recognition is the first step to conversion.

Discipleship: A Continuous Journey

This idea—that discipleship is a continuous journey, not a destination—is what allows us to be Internet missionaries. Whether you are in the middle of a difficult work project, waiting in line for coffee, or having a deep conversation with a friend, you are in a moment of potential discipleship. You are simply being a disciple anywhere, all the time.

If you feel yourself struggling with the idea of perfection, I encourage you to remember that the Lord knows your heart. He knows your efforts, your struggles, and your faithful attempts to follow the covenant path. Focus not on the spotless resume, but on the steady, upward trajectory of your soul.

Your Next Step: Focus on the Strive

If this resonates with you, I invite you to take part in our free weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a simple, low-pressure way to focus on the spirit of Christlike striving this week. We’ll be diving into the Book of Mormon this week, focusing on the concept of faith in action.

And for those who love deep study, I highly recommend picking up *The Book of Mormon Gospel* by Iron Rod. It provides incredible context for understanding what it means to be a true disciple in the modern day. You can find it in LivingBook!