Dr. Ray Pritchard Christian Blog and Commentary

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Not Perfection, But Progress

  • Dr. Ray Pritchard
    Dr. Ray Pritchard is the president of Keep Believing Ministries, an Internet-based ministry serving Christians in 225 countries. He is the author of 29 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain,… More
  • Published Jul 08, 2004

I ran into a friend who is involved in a Twelve-Step program. As we talked, he passed along a slogan that he first learned in his weekly meetings: "Our goal is not perfection, but progress."

A little bell starting ringing in my mind when I heard those words--"Not perfection, but progress." My friend told me that whenever he falls back into his old way of thinking, he feels so defeated that he wants to give up. When that happens, he said, the key is to remember that your goal is not perfection--which is always unattainable--but simple day by day progress.

What difference does it make?

Perfection says, "I must do this right all the time or I am a failure." Progress says, "I know I'm going to fail occasionally, but that won't stop me from getting up and trying again."

Perfection says, "If I fail, people will think I"m a loser." Progress says, "If I fail, people will understand as long as I don't give up and quit."

Perfection says, "It's wrong to admit my weaknesses." Progress says, "Admitting my weaknesses is the only way to get better."

Perfection says, "Let me tell you how good I am." Progress says, "Please tell me how I can improve."

Perfection says, "I've got all the answers." Progress says, "I've got a few answers and a lot of questions."

Perfection says, "It's not my fault." Progress says, "I was wrong."

Perfection says, "I can do it by myself." Progress says, "I think I can do it, but I need the help of God and a few good friends."

In a fallen world we should not be surprised that we fall flat on our faces from time to time. It's what you do after you fall that makes all the difference. Remember, with God's help you can get back up and start moving in the right direction again.