Lesson 189—Being Perfected in Jesus Christ: A Process of Becoming More like the Savior
“Lesson 189—Being Perfected in Jesus Christ: A Process of Becoming More like the Savior,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)
“Being Perfected in Jesus Christ,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual
Lesson 189—Physical and Emotional Health
Being Perfected in Jesus Christ
A Process of Becoming More like the Savior
Many pressures and expectations in life can cause us to struggle with perfectionism or to mistakenly think we need to be perfect on our own. Because of the Savior’s great sacrifice, we can “be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). This lesson can help students recognize thinking errors related to perfectionism and can help them turn to the Lord.
Possible Learning Activities
Perfectionism
“I’m not sure I will ever be good enough.”
“I’m not as good at this as she is. I don’t even know why I try.”
“I feel like I need to pretend to be happier and doing better than I am.”
How common do you feel thoughts like these are?
Why might people feel tempted to think this way?
Elder Vern P. Stanfill of the Seventy explained:
Perfectionism requires an impossible, self-inflicted standard that compares us to others. This causes guilt and anxiety and can make us want to withdraw and isolate ourselves. (Vern P. Stanfill, “The Imperfect Harvest,” Liahona, May 2023, 113)
Think of how you may be susceptible to perfectionistic thoughts. You might want to record your responses to some of the following questions in your study journal.
What unrealistic standards might you be setting for yourself?
How do you compare yourself to others in unhealthy ways?
How can you turn to the Lord to address this type of thinking?
Perfected in Jesus Christ
Elder Vern P. Stanfill shared what we can focus on to overcome perfectionist thinking:
Remember that perfectionism is not the same as being perfected in Christ….
Becoming perfected in Christ is … the process—lovingly guided by the Holy Ghost—of becoming more like the Savior. The standards are set by a kind and all-knowing Heavenly Father and clearly defined in the covenants we are invited to embrace. It relieves us of the burdens of guilt and inadequacy, always emphasizing who we are in the sight of God. (Vern P. Stanfill, “The Imperfect Harvest,” Liahona, May 2023, 113)
What do you find meaningful in this statement?
While visiting the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, the Savior reaffirmed that becoming perfect is something that He and His Father desire for all of us. Read 3 Nephi 12:48 (see also Matthew 5:48), looking for what the Savior said.
Some people may struggle with thoughts of perfectionism as they read this verse.
How can Elder Stanfill’s statements help us better understand what the Savior is teaching in this verse?
How can this help us turn to the Lord when we struggle with perfectionist thinking?
Becoming more like the Savior
After students have studied, invite them to share with their group what they have learned. Help them discuss how these scriptures and statements are relevant to them.
Discuss what phrases you found in these scriptures or statements that:
Have helped you in the past with feelings of not measuring up to expectations.
You have questions about.
You would like to apply to your life.
Replacing perfectionism with becoming perfected in Jesus Christ
The following skill can help us correct perfectionist thinking and focus on striving to become better through Jesus Christ.
Define: Be sure the following skill is clear for students. Consider writing the questions on the board.
When you recognize a perfectionist thought, ask yourself the following questions:
How might the Savior want me to view myself with compassion and patience?
Instead of trying to do everything on my own, how can I acknowledge and rely on the Savior and His power to help me?
Model: Select one of the perfectionist thoughts from the beginning of the lesson, such as “I’m not as good at this as she is. I don’t even know why I try.” Keeping this thought in mind, ask students the first question (“How might the Savior want me to view myself with compassion and patience?”). To hear some possible answers, watch the rest of the video “Self-Compassion” (2:58) from time code 0:54 to 2:58.
Students might share some of the following: The Lord is not concerned with how we are doing compared to others. We can be patient with ourselves if we are not progressing as quickly as others and realize that others have their own struggles. We can realize most progress is gradual. We can seek the promptings of the Spirit to turn to the Lord and know that we will progress in the Lord’s time.
Ask the second question above (“Instead of trying to do everything on my own, how can I acknowledge and rely on the Savior and His power to help me?”). Students might share that as we repent and turn to the Savior, He has power to cleanse us from sin and to help us improve and become like Him. He invites us to focus on Him, not others, for help. We can strive to follow the Savior’s example and pray that Heavenly Father will bless our efforts. We prayerfully look for evidence of His help and ways we are improving.
Practice: Invite students to do the following activity in pairs, and make sure each student gets an opportunity to practice.
Select one of the examples of perfectionist thoughts at the beginning of the lesson. With this thought in mind, answer the questions above.
After sufficient time, invite a few pairs to share what they learned from the practice. Some may notice that inviting the Savior into their thoughts helps them feel His love and patience.
Encourage students to ponder how they can use these skills in their lives. Invite them to act on impressions they may have received as they seek the Savior’s help.
You could conclude class by testifying of the blessings that come from our continual efforts to become like Jesus Christ.