Study Guide for "The Imperfect Harvest"

In his talk, "The Imperfect Harvest", Elder Vern P. Stanfill draws parallels between the physical harvest he experienced growing up in Montana and the spiritual harvest we are part of as disciples of Christ. He highlights the importance of doing our best and trusting in the Savior's ability to perfect our efforts, even when they seem insignificant or imperfect.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the difference between perfectionism and being perfected in Christ?
How does Elder Stanfill use the analogy of a physical harvest to illustrate spiritual principles?
What does Elder Stanfill teach about the danger of comparing ourselves to others?
How can our humble efforts be made perfect in Christ?
What is the role of Christ's grace in our spiritual growth and progress?

Topics

Understanding the Difference Between Perfectionism and Being Perfected in Christ

Elder Stanfill emphasizes that perfectionism, an impossible standard that often leads to feelings of inadequacy, is not the same as being perfected in Christ. Becoming perfected in Christ is a process of becoming more like the Savior, guided by the Holy Ghost, and is based on standards set by a loving Heavenly Father.

Remember that perfectionism is not the same as being perfected in Christ. Perfectionism requires an impossible, self-inflicted standard that compares us to others.

Becoming perfected in Christ is another matter. It is the process—lovingly guided by the Holy Ghost—of becoming more like the Savior.

What is the difference between perfectionism and being perfected in Christ?
How does understanding this difference influence our perspective on personal growth and progress?
How can you avoid the trap of perfectionism in your personal life?
What steps can you take to focus more on becoming perfected in Christ?

Recognizing the Power of the Savior to Perfect Our Efforts

Elder Stanfill shares personal experiences and scriptural accounts to illustrate the principle that the Savior can perfect our humble and imperfect efforts. He emphasizes that even when our efforts seem insignificant, with the Savior's help, they can have a profound impact.

We must remember that whatever our best-but-imperfect offering is, the Savior can make it perfect.

Regardless of how insignificant our efforts may seem, if we are sincere, the Savior will use us to accomplish His work.

How does the Savior perfect our humble and imperfect efforts?
What examples does Elder Stanfill share to illustrate this principle?
Can you recall a time when the Savior magnified your humble efforts?
How can you trust more fully in the Savior's ability to perfect your efforts?

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Comparison

Elder Stanfill warns of the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, noting that it can lead to feelings of superiority or inadequacy. Instead, he encourages emulation of Christlike attributes seen in others, which can uplift and inspire us to become better disciples of Jesus Christ.

When we compare ourselves to others, there can be only two results. Either we will see ourselves as better than others and become judgmental and critical of them, or we will see ourselves as less than others and become anxious, self-critical, and discouraged.

In fact, these comparisons can be spiritually destructive, preventing us from receiving the spiritual help we need.

What are the dangers of comparing ourselves to others?
How can emulation of Christlike attributes be more beneficial than comparison?
How can you shift from comparing yourself to others to emulating Christlike attributes?
What Christlike attributes do you see in others that you would like to develop?

Recognizing the Role of Grace in Our Spiritual Harvest

Elder Stanfill uses the metaphor of a harvest to highlight the role of Christ's grace in our spiritual growth. He assures us that with Christ, there is no imperfect harvest and that His grace can perfect our less-than-perfect efforts.

The Savior stands ready to accept our humble offerings and perfect them through His grace.

With Christ, there is no imperfect harvest.

How does Elder Stanfill describe the role of grace in our spiritual harvest?
What does it mean that with Christ, there is no imperfect harvest?
How have you seen the Savior's grace work in your life?
What can you do to more fully rely on the Savior's grace in your spiritual growth?

Embracing the Invitation to Come unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him

Elder Stanfill invites us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him. He assures us that as we deny ourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all our might, mind and strength, His grace is sufficient for us and we can be perfected in Christ.

The prophet Moroni invited all, "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, … and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ."

Let us do our best, bring what we can, and, with faith, lay our imperfect offering at His feet.

What does it mean to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him?
How does the grace of Christ make us perfect?
How can you more fully embrace the invitation to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him?
What imperfect offerings can you lay at His feet with faith?