We are constantly bombarded with messages of what we should be. In the media, we see the ideal–seemingly perfect looking people living perfect lives. In business, we have a continual quest for improvement and efficiency. At church, we are often reminded that we are commanded to be perfect.

Let me be clear: there is nothing inherently wrong with these things. We should have goals. We are to become more than we are.

However, there is an all too common trap we often fall into–we tie our worth to lack of the ideal and we forget that becoming the ideal, continually improving, being perfect all require process.

Here are a few reminders:

Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Please don’t nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept of your effort.”¹

And Tamara Runia shared, “Your worth isn’t tied to obedience. Your worth is constant; it never changes. It was given to you by God, and there’s nothing you or anyone else can do to change it. Obedience brings blessings; that is true. But worth isn’t one of them. Your worth is always ‘great in the sight of God,’ no matter where your decisions have taken you.”²

So does God really accept me despite all my flaws and imperfections?

An anecdote might help.

I recently toured the Kirtland Temple. This building was magnificent for its time and an enormous undertaking for the impoverished Saints. A small understanding of the miraculous events that occurred here make it just as impressive of a structure today.

As we toured, one of the missionary guides pointed out some of the flaws in the building: uneven floors, imperfect woodwork, cracks in the walls. The missionary was quick to point out that despite the imperfections, the Saints had given it the best they had.

And the Lord accepted that offering:

“Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.

“Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name.

“For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.” (Doctrine and Covenants 110:5-7)

The missionary added: “There is a lesson in this for all of us.”

We all need to remember who we are–children of a perfect being who doesn’t make mistakes and who wants us to become like Him. We’re not a finished product yet and that’s the whole point!

When we covenant with Him, when we give our best effort, when we continually strive . . .

He forgives us.

He shows us mercy.

God accepts our offering as imperfect as it may be.

He accepts us as imperfect as we may be.

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Lead image by M. Taylor

1. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rise to the Stature of the Divine within You“, General Conference October 1989
2. Tamara W. Runia, “Your Repentance Doesn’t Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy“, General Conference, April 2025