To Cleanse and Perfect

I have been listening to "A Case for the Book of Mormon" by Tad R. Callister. I recommend the whole book. There is a particular part that has stood out to me.

The power to overcome our weaknesses and perfect us

Starting near 21:41 of chapter nine, Tad Callister says that "The Savior can not only cleanse us. He can also perfect us. The doctrine that we can become Christlike because of Christ's atonement, is considered blasphemous by some Christians."

He goes on to make a persuasive case:

Suppose you were to ask one of your Christian friends if all Christians should be striving to become more like Christ? No doubt your friend would respond, 'yes'; since to say no would destroy the principle reason for the existence of Christianity.
...
To what extent can you become like Christ? [Your friend] might respond, 'to a very small degree'
...
Let's assume it is 1%. But if it is 1%, why not 5%? If 5%, why not 10%?

When we are dealing with a God with an infinite atonement, and a child willing to apply it, our weaknesses are no match. We seek His grace. His enabling power to overcome our weaknesses. We do it falteringly, inconsistently. As we try, try again. God promises us to forgive and forgive again. We only need to strive to become as God is. To "come and follow" the perfect example of Jesus of Nazareth.

What hope this brings me. My job is to remain in my covenant relationship with God. Day by day, week by week, decade by decade. I continue to strive to become what he has asked me to become.