The Lord's command to be perfect as He is perfect can be better understood if divided into two categories, explained Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Speaking Sunday afternoon, he said: "The first could pertain uniquely to this life - mortal perfection. The second category could pertain uniquely to the next life - immortal or eternal perfection."In certain actions, there can be perfection in this life, he continued, citing examples such as performing a musical selection without mistake and paying tithing. He also noted men in the scriptures, such as Noah, Seth and Job, who were called perfect.
"This does not mean that these people made no mistakes or never had need of correction," he said, adding, "Mortal perfection can be achieved as we try to perform every duty, keep every law, and strive to be as perfect in our sphere as our Heavenly Father is in His. If we do the best we can, the Lord will bless us according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts."
"But Jesus asked for more than mortal perfection," Elder Nelson said. "The moment He uttered the words, `even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,' (see Matt. 5:48), He raised our sights beyond the bounds of mortality."
In order to better understand the term "perfect," Elder Nelson said he studied the word in English and in Greek, the original language of the New Testament. He said he found that the word "perfect" was translated from the Greek teleios which means complete.
"Please note that the word does not imply freedom from error, it implies achieving a distant objective," he explained.
"The perfection that the Savior envisions for us is much more than errorless performance," Elder Nelson said. "It is the eternal expectation as expressed by the Lord in His great intercessory prayer to His Father - that we might be made perfect and be able to dwell with them in the eternities ahead."
After affirming that "resurrection is requisite for eternal perfection," Elder Nelson summed up: "Eternal perfection is reserved for those who overcome all things and inherit the fullness of the Father in His heavenly mansions."
In the climb to perfection, Elder Nelson assured: "Continuing encouragement comes as we follow the example of Jesus, who taught, `Be ye holy; for I am holy.' " (I Pet. 1:16.)
In conclusion, he said: "Let us do the best we can and try to improve each day. When our imperfections appear, we can keep trying to correct them. . . .
"We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love Him and keep His commandments. . . . It is the end for which we are to endure."
