The Myth We Call Perfection

by John Lewis Lund

"Be ye therefore perfect." We have all heard the commandment, but how well do we understand what is required of us? In this enlightening, uplifting talk, Dr. John L. Lund gives us the assurance that out best efforts are all that the Lord asks us to do. "A lot of people have bought into the ideal that if everything isn't absolutely perfect, then we're not good enough and we're never going to be good enough. It's almost as if we think we belong to the 'Church of the Perfect Family' and if you don't have the perfect family you don't qualify," says Dr. Lund. Quoting Elder McConkie he says, '"Perfectionism has afflicted the Church greatly and there are many who have lost hope because they have set a standard that neither they nor anyone else can measure up to." Dr. Lund's warm message offers hope that we can be perfect in this life. . . perfectly adequate, and that's good enough!

Genres: Religion, Self Help

Audio CD

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Dr John L. Lund is a great writer and his CD's on human interaction are fun, informative, and entertaining. He has taught in major universities in Utah, Idaho, and California, hosts trips to Israel and Mesoamerica and is a fantastic archeologist too. Check out his books in both fields and you will find a great writer to follow here on Goodreads.com.

Reviews

[Vanina Palmer]

A very engaging talk on audio by brother Lund about fighting the lies of perfectionism. He discussed perfectionism in ourselves as well as our expectations on others. I loved his focus on agency and not trying to force others to be perfect and do what we want them to do! He is funny but insightful and I love his message of God truly loving his children.

[Tracey Smithee]

I have listened to this CD at least ten times over several years! In a day and time when I often feel that I am 'not the person I once was' or that 'I'm not improving every day' or that 'my health makes me feel like I'm no longer a vibrant, giving, valiant person'...this CD is a must-listen during those hard times! What a wonderful approach to an ageless problem...we all have ups and downs! This CD will make you feel that you can endure a little longer, that your judgments about yourself are in error, and that there is nothing Heavenly Father wants more than to have us return to him! Then, you'll know that those feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and defeat are tools of Satan, not of GOD! I absolutely recommend it highly!

[Amy]

“Love much and do what you can do.”

[Semi-Academic Eric]

How refreshing we found this, my wife and I, to read about the unrealistic expectations that some have come to in religious living actually find their roots in a possible misunderstanding of the Platonic Ideal, the influence it had on Orthodox Judaism, and how this crept into Christianity and onward into American Culture.

How freeing we found this to be to think this through! We are grateful to our Bishop friend who recommended this to us.

At one time in my life, I wanted nothing to do with religious people, thinking they were uptight, prudish, and unrealistic in their approach to life. Now I'm glad to see this may not be necessary.

In fact, an appreciation of true religion might just lesson the fight while freeing us of some myths that have been pursuing us.

[Natalie]

Like the book Without Offense by the same author, I really liked this! It isn't a book, it is really a recording of a fireside (length = 1 CD). I started it, but then decided to come back to it when I could listen to it with my scriptures in hand. I highly recommend it! I learned some interesting new things about a certain story in the New Testament. But most importantly, the author again reminded me that my job here on earth is to love much and do what I can. I don't have to be perfect. There is no need to judge others. If I can learn to love much and am willing to do what I can, I will accomplish what I came here to do. A very positive and encouraging perspective. A great listen for the new year!

[Celese]

I only heard about the last half of this and it was incredible. I would say that this is probably one of the main things women (especially) need to hear. His knowledge of the scriptures is amazing, and his passion for the topic is strong, but his reasons are the most powerful part of this talk. It is truly wonderful!

[Olea]

This was the first talk on tape by John L. Lund I listened to. He truly has a gift. He teaches so well the love that God and Jesus Christ have for us. His sense of humor during sensitive topics helps me want to humble myself. After this CD I found myself addicted to Lund.

[Priscilla]

I loved this, it made me feel like I have a chance. Am I cheating because it really was a cd, not a book.
Listen to this if you have ever felt like you don't cut it.

Priscilla

[Amy]

"Love much, and do all that you can do."

[Martha Smith]

Very funny!

[Marilyn]

I can't say enough how outstanding this is. I'm going to have a discussion group about this soon. Let me know if you'd like to participate.

[April]

Great book. Listened to it on the car. He talked fast but had to get a lot in an hour talk. Very well done.

[Allison]

This is one of my favorites! I still need it sometimes when I know I am being to hard on myself.