Perfection

Pursuing Perfection: A Journey of Becoming

When Jesus said, “Be ye therefore perfect,” in Matthew 5:48, the word “perfect” came from the Greek word teleios, meaning complete or fully developed. This small detail unlocks a profound shift in understanding. Perfection, in the scriptural sense, isn’t about never making mistakes—it's about reaching a distant objective, maturing in our purpose, and aligning with God's eternal vision for us.

The words telephone, television, and telephoto all share the Greek prefix tele-, meaning “distant.” A telephone lets us speak across distances, a television allows us to see things far away, and a telephoto lens brings distant images into sharp focus. Each of these tools bridges a gap—connecting what is far to what is near.

In the same way, the scriptural concept of perfection (teleios) is about bridging the distance between who we are now and who we are destined to become. It’s not about instant transformation, but about being drawn forward—made complete—by the enabling power of The Light, who helps us close the gap step by step, choice by choice.

Unlike the worldly pressure for flawlessness, the Lord’s invitation to be perfect is grounded in becoming whole—spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. This is not something we’re meant to achieve on our own. Rather, it is something we grow into with time, effort, and above all, divine assistance.

This divine help—the enabling power of grace—isn’t just for the sinner trying to become clean. It’s also for the disciple striving to be better, the good person yearning to become great. Through The Light and our friends, we receive strength to do what we could never sustain on our own.

Why Perfection Matters

Understanding the true meaning of perfection matters because it reframes our spiritual growth. Instead of crushing ourselves under unrealistic expectations, we can instead ask, “Am I moving toward wholeness in The Light?” This approach opens us up to joy in the journey, reliance on grace, and deeper compassion for ourselves and others.

Am I moving toward wholeness in The Light?”

💬 Tony Quote

"Perfection is the lowest standard in the world because it’s impossible to meet. Growth is the real goal."

What Is Perfection (Teleios)?

Teleios means "complete" or "fully developed"—a process of fulfillment, not flawlessness. It's about reaching the end (telos) God envisions for us. In Greek, the verb teleiono means to consummate, finish, or reach a distant goal. The kind of perfection God wants is rooted in love, growth, and eternal relationship, not performance.

How Do We Pursue It?

We pursue divine perfection not through willpower alone, but with grace. The Light’s enabling power makes it possible to both overcome sin and become like Him. He promised, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18). Through the Spirit, The Light abides with us and in us, transforming our efforts and magnifying our becoming.

I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Perfection doesn't mean being flawless—it means becoming whole and complete through divine help. True growth comes not from striving alone, but by allowing The Light to empower our journey of becoming. It has a very real social component or interdependent aspect.

Social enabling power, or grace, is like a spiritual relay race—we’re never meant to run alone. Just as a runner receives a baton from a teammate to carry forward, we receive strength, support, and divine companionship from The Light and those around us. This grace connects us in a shared rhythm of growth, allowing us to lean on others, forgive and be forgiven, and move forward even when our own energy runs low. It's not just personal power—it’s relational power, a sacred synergy that helps us become complete together. Through grace, we don’t just strive—we are sustained.

Seeking Order

An organized house is a tangible glimpse of completion—everything in its place, clear surfaces, peaceful flow. It’s a kind of domestic perfection, not in the flawless sense, but in the functional and intentional sense. Of course, the house never stays that way. Life brings dishes, laundry, clutter, and chaos. But each time we return to higher levels of order, we find ourselves more empowered to focus, create, and pursue what really matters. Just as perfection in the life means being made whole through "enabling power", an organized space reflects a continual effort to move toward harmony—not a one-time achievement, but a living rhythm of aligning our environment with our intentions.

There's already perfection in this moment

🧩 Example: Becoming Whole in The Light

🟧 Physical

You feel overwhelmed with improving your health. Instead of trying to be a “perfect” eater or runner, you start with one small habit, like drinking more water or walking each morning. Progress, not perfection, becomes your present aim.

🟦 Intellectual

You’re studying the scriptures and feel like you can’t grasp all the deep truths. But instead of quitting, you commit to 5 minutes a day. As you stay consistent, your understanding deepens—and your confidence grows.

🟢 Social

You struggle with a difficult relationship. Instead of waiting to be the “perfect” communicator, you ask The Light to help you show up with compassion. You listen more. You respond with patience. And slowly, healing begins.

🔴 Spiritual

In prayer, you feel distant or inadequate. But you keep showing up. You let go of trying to say the “right” words and instead allow the Spirit to teach you how to connect honestly with The Light. Over time, you feel more whole—more real.

The "Small and Simple patterns" are the quiet champions of lasting growth. Unlike the zealous "spurter" who burns bright and quickly fizzles, the steady builder adapts over time—like muscles growing stronger with consistent reps. Whether spiritually, physically, intellectually, or socially, it’s the gradual layering of effort that expands our capacity and leads to real transformation.

📚 Resources

• Scriptures to Study:
  • Matthew 5:48
  • John 14:15–18
  • Moroni 10:32–33
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Book: The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister
• Talk: His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox
• Practice: Journal prompts like “What does becoming whole look like for me today?”

Final Thought:
Perfection isn't a performance. It's a process of becoming who The Light already sees in us. Through the enabling power of The Light, we can move forward in grace, becoming complete—one step, one choice, one prayer or meditation at a time.