‘For we are his workmanship…’ Ephesians 2:10
A few days ago Melissa told me about a post on a Facebook page that reminded me of what it’s like for members of the LDS Church. The post was a quote from a speech by Thomas Monson who was giving pointers on how to be perfect, and a Mormon scripture from 3 Nephi 12:48.
“Our goal is to achieve, to excel, to strive for perfection. Remember, however, that our business in life is not to get ahead of others but to get ahead of ourselves. To break our own record, to outstrip our yesterdays by today, to bear our trials more beautifully than we ever dreamed we could, to give as we never have given, to do our work with more force and a finer finish than ever—this is the true objective.”
This is one of the many times LDS leaders pushed the agenda of perfectionism which has done a lot more harm than good for Mormons. As the suicide rates began to skyrocket in my beloved Utah, the Church seems to have gotten the message.
You’ll still find the innuendos of requirements for perfectionism, but now they’re mixed in with telling members no one is perfect. It’s a classic Mormon ruse to confuse.
Over the years Mr. Monson used parts of his original speech in several other talks (see links below). The original was printed in the youth magazine New Era in February 2001. A few months later he said the same thing at their General Conference, and this time they published it in yet another youth magazine, Liahona. Later that same year he delivered parts of the same to their female young women’s group.
New Era, ‘The Lighthouse of the Lord,’ February 2001
“The Lighthouse of the Lord: A Message to the Youth of the Church,” Liahona, May 2001, 3 (Also found on ThomasMonson.com.)
Ensign, ‘A Future As Bright As Your Faith,’ May 2009
The use of their plagiarized quote from Jesus found in 3rd Nephi is tragic. Smith took one thing Jesus said out of context, and plopped it down into a BoM setting that has no supporting substance around it. In turn, LDS leaders in latter years have globbed onto it to support their latest agenda.
We’re wondering why their true objective is focused on themselves, and not Christ Jesus and Him crucified… While the FB post came from an ex-Mormon Christian site, it’s still being used elsewhere. We found no less than four other times Monson’s speech was republished since 2009.
Be sure to share the truth of what Jesus said to encourage Mormons they don’t have to be perfect to know Jesus. Our imperfection is the entire reason He came here to redeem us!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Perfection is not possible. if we commit even one sin, we are just as guilty as the person who sins frequently (Read James 2: 10).Perfection is faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Trying to become perfect on your own is like saying God’s help is not enough (Read Romans 8:31). Without the abiding of God’s Holy Spirit, which we receive when we ask the Lord to come into our hearts, becoming perfect is not possible. It is through the abiding of God’s spirit within us, that gives us the strength and revelation to keep his commandments (read Philippians 2:13)