Satan’s Counterfeit Gospel of Perfectionism
FEATURES
- Jacob’s Answer to Parental Despair by Joseph Grenny
- Associated Press Embarrasses Itself in Conference Coverage by Christopher D. Cunningham
- Emphasizing covenants, First Presidency updates temple recommend interview questions, shares statement on the wearing of the temple garment by Church News
- VIDEO: Three Prophets Tell Us Why We are Building So Many Temples by Meridian Magazine
- My Dangerous Vacation Surprise by Becky Douglas
- Is it possible you need to do LESS, in order to grow? by Jacob Z. Hess
- Come Follow Me Podcast #16: “He Works in Me to do His Will”, Enos-Words of Mormon by Scot and Maurine Proctor
- Your Hardest Family Question: Is there hope for me to have an eternal family? by Geoff Steurer, MS, LMFT
- When Joseph Smith Is Attacked by Daniel C. Peterson
- Family Name Assist Gathers Information on Deceased Family Members With No Research Needed by Larry Richman
Comments | Return to Story
GCNovember 16, 2017
Thank you for putting together such a great article. I was raised with perfectionism expected of me and all in the home. Perfectionism is a tough road to follow and I have to constantly battle against the temptation to expect the same from my children that was expected of me growing up. I really love the principle shared, of turning ourselves and our children toward Christ for the relief that only comes through Him. May God bless us with understanding that all of us are on an individual journey back to Him. Mahalo!
DaveOctober 4, 2017
I think you can and should leave your perfectionism behind you now, Sister Isackson, and bask in the warm light of validation by an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Elder Holland paraphrased this article and turned your ideas and words into scripture in a General Conference address you can now turn to anytime you're tempted to forget the Saviors love for you. He has in essence said "Well done, my good and faithful sister. Come unto me and I will bear your every burden - you deserve the rest reserved for the faithful."
HeidiJune 18, 2016
AH87 Loved this article. It helped pull me out of a depression. I realized the voices I heard were from Satan not a loving Heavenly Father. Thank you for reminding me how dangerous perfectionism is and that I don't have to be and cannot be perfect.
MaryJune 6, 2016
I heard a man of another faith make the case that the pursuit of our own perfection and constantly wondering if I'm good enough is an ego-centered, even narcissistic pursuit. Since then I have tried to stop worrying about where I am on my own path to perfection and have instead felt greater gratitude and joy in God's perfect plan. Every hour spent on agonizing over my so-called pursuit of perfection is an hour I could have spent learning to love another. This new mind-set has brought me far greater peace. Thank you for this wonderful article.
Craig SchwartzJune 5, 2016
I like Cindy's comment. She correctly stated that with Jesus' full redemption for ALL of our sins, we have attained perfection....and it doesn't come tomorrow, or during some future time, but it is for us now!'t I can do His will not to gain status for heaven, but to say "thank you Jesus for living a perfect life in my place". I myself can't be perfect ever, but I am perfect in God's eyes because Jesus takes away my sins. Being sin-less makes me perfect. Thank you, Jesus! I can rest my head on my pillow each evening knowing I'm ok with God.
CindyJune 3, 2016
Isn't it important to truly accept the words of Jesus just as they were spoken? He DID say that were are to "be perfect" and even added the example of our Father in Heaven as the standard. But God's Word also gives us the answer for the way that is possible in Hebrews 10:14, "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." The perfect sacrifice and work of Jesus Christ has made us perfect before God even if we are still sinful in nature. That is the good news of the gospel!!
RussJune 3, 2016
Perfection is found through Christ alone through faith. We can not, and will never be able to be perfect, therefore we go in prayer to our Lord and ask forgiveness. Full and complete forgiveness is given and forgotten by our Lord. We all sin because of the fall of Adam and Eve, those that first sinned. Through faith created by the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, we have the comfort and peace that Heaven will be our home!! A beautiful, awesome, perfect, and comfort that God has provided for his believers in Christ. To God be all the Glory!!
Perla NielsonJune 2, 2016
Excellent article!
KimJune 2, 2016
A timely and well-thought-out article teaching gospel truths we all need to remember. Thank you so much!
Jeffrey A. WarrenJune 2, 2016
What a wonderful article! Well written and helpful in understanding the essence of what Jesus Christ can do for us. I have some of these perfectionism tendencies and I have, over the years, expected my children to have them too. I now have a better understanding of how damaging this can be and how it is more important to seek and teach repentance. Thank you!
Melanie SteinJune 2, 2016
So grateful for God's tender mercies. I needed to hear this today. Thanks for being his messenger.
Wendy RojasJune 2, 2016
This is Darla's best article yet, and I've loved her articles for over a decade. Thank you for this EXCELLENT insight. Christ invites us to come today, as we are, so He can heal and help us. Thank you again for publishing.
John P. PrattJune 2, 2016
Excellent article! Great to clarify the distinction between forgiveness and grace and to always remember the need for a Savior. The modern "New Age" religion, based on combining ancient pagan religions, as well as the many humanist and eastern-religion "roads to perfection", to me are anti-Christ because they seek perfection without Him. Thanks!
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