“We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.” Those simple yet profound words from the Big Book (p. 60) set the stage for what spiritual growth truly looks like. It’s not about achieving flawlessness but about allowing grace to work through our imperfections.
As I’ve reflected on this theme, I’ve found that the insights of thinkers like Greg Bahnsen, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and the authors of The Spirituality of Imperfection offer a rich tapestry of wisdom. These perspectives have challenged me to embrace the slow, often messy journey of progress and to see imperfection not as a flaw in the process but as the starting point.
Perfection is a Misunderstanding
Greg Bahnsen reminds us that striving for human perfection is misguided. In a fallen world, perfection as we imagine it—complete consistency, total control—is impossible. True perfection is found in Christ alone. For me, this was a game-changer. I spent years thinking that spiritual growth meant erasing all my flaws. Bahnsen’s perspective freed me to focus instead on my relationship with God, trusting that He would do the work I could not.
Dallas Willard builds on this by framing spiritual growth as the “renovation of the heart.” It’s not about external performance but about the slow transformation of our inner lives. Spiritual progress isn’t flashy; it happens in the small, ordinary moments of surrender and obedience.
Admitting Imperfection as the Starting Point
In The Spirituality of Imperfection, the authors write, “Spirituality begins when we stop pretending to be something we’re not.” This idea resonates deeply with AA’s Step One: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable” (p. 59). Admitting our imperfection is not a sign of failure but the door to grace.
John Ortberg adds his characteristic humor to this idea, noting that trying to achieve perfection is like trying to catch the wind. It’s frustrating and, ultimately, futile. Instead, he invites us to embrace the journey and laugh at ourselves along the way.
The Role of Surrender
The 12 & 12 describes Step Three as the moment we “turn our will and our lives over to the care of God” (p. 34). This surrender isn’t easy. For me, it often feels like letting go of the very thing I’m convinced will fix everything. But as The Spirituality of Imperfection reminds us, surrender is not passivity—it’s an active trust in something greater than ourselves.
Dallas Willard puts it this way: surrender creates space for God to work. It’s the moment we stop striving and start allowing transformation to happen. Ortberg, with his usual wit, adds, “Spiritual growth doesn’t require perfection; it requires willingness.”
Progress in Community
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from AA is the power of sharing struggles in community. The Big Book describes the fellowship as “a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful” (p. 17). For me, that understanding comes when I hear someone else’s story and see my own imperfections reflected back. It’s a reminder that I’m not alone and that progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Ortberg and Willard both stress the importance of relationships in spiritual growth. Willard describes community as a refining tool—others help us see our blind spots and call us to deeper love and humility. Ortberg notes that real transformation happens in the messiness of shared lives, where we support each other and laugh at our imperfections.
The Small Steps of Progress
Steps Six and Seven of AA capture the essence of spiritual progress: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character” (Step Six, p. 59) and “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings” (Step Seven, p. 59). These steps remind me that progress is not about sweeping changes but about small, consistent acts of willingness.
Willard’s idea of “habits of the heart” fits beautifully here. He teaches that spiritual growth happens through intentional practices—prayer, meditation, service—that align us with God’s will. These aren’t grand gestures; they’re small, faithful steps forward.
Humor and Grace
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of not taking myself too seriously. The Big Book puts it well: “We are not a glum lot” (p. 132). Laughter has a way of cutting through self-importance and reminding us that imperfection is part of the human experience.
The Spirituality of Imperfection emphasizes that humor and humility go hand in hand. When I can laugh at my mistakes, I create space for grace. And in that space, God does some of His best work.
Conclusion: Perfectly Imperfect
Progress, not perfection, is the heart of the spiritual journey. Bahnsen reminds us that perfection is found in Christ, not in ourselves. Willard shows us that true growth is slow and rooted in grace. Ortberg invites us to laugh, trust, and keep moving forward. And The Spirituality of Imperfection assures us that admitting our flaws is the beginning of transformation.
So here’s to the messy, beautiful, imperfect process of spiritual growth. As the Big Book so beautifully says, “We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves” (p. 84). One step at a time, one day at a time, progress unfolds—and that’s more than enough.
More will be revealed 