BE PERFECT

TUESDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2021

To be perfect in Greek definition is the word, "teleios", which means, reaching an end, or being made complete. It is reaching towards maturity by going through the necessary stages. It can also mean, developing into completion by fulfilling the necessary process. As Christians, this perfection can unfold in us one stage at a time to reach the end-goal, until we begin to function at its full strength.

Reference: Matthew 5:48 New International Version (NIV) "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

When you read this Scripture, what comes to mind is God's idea of being perfect. It's not really the natural man's or the world's own definition of "perfect" or "perfection", but God's own perfection.

Jesus gives us God's own revelation of being perfect, which indicates that our aim, as Christians, must be to become perfect, like God. In the above Scripture, He mentioned the standard: "as your heavenly Father is perfect." "To be perfect" is a verb, which means "attain it". You can reach it, or rather, succeed in achieving it. The Amplified Bible says, "You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect."

So God's idea of His children being perfect is clearly understood as making themselves complete, full, whole; bringing their faith walk to maturity; and also making sure that they completely answer or function according to their purpose in Christ. Making ourselves perfect as God is, can be with respect to growing up to full maturity, over a period of time and also seeing ourselves the way God sees us; talking and acting in line with His perspective in our entire lifetime. The Bible says, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV). Being perfect or complete here means working towards living a Christian life that shows no defects and lacks in nothing, according to the revelation of the will of God.

To be perfect is to walk in that completeness and perfection which is reckoned a divine standard. For instance, God gave us His complete and perfect righteousness, because our own righteousness cannot please Him. No wonder Paul says, "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Philippians 3:9 KJV). So being perfect is all about being made conformable unto God's own standard. Many a time, Satan tries to convince Christians that the joy of freedom is found in doing what we want, but our perfection does not happen that way. True perfection is acquired or attained only through total submission to the Lorship of Christ and God's perfect will.

Note this important truth: Although in Christ, perfection involves keeping and separating ourselves from vain, sinful pleasures and pursuits and from all conformity to the corruptions of this present world, true perfection in Christ does not mean 'flawless'; it denotes maturity in spiritual understanding as we walk in the fear of God. This perfection gives birth to our spiritual hunger for the deeper knowledge of God with fear of His reverential awe. Therefore, every true and wisely instructed Christian is expected to grow up into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, which is perfection - by eagerly and persistent manner. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 2 Samuel 22:31; Hebrews 10:14; Ephesians 5:1; Hebrews 12:23.

Exuberant Declaration: Christ lives in me and He is at work in me both to do and to will of His good pleasure, thereby perfecting all that concerns me. Therefore, I'm joyfully consistent with the conception of gradually increasing development of my faith to attain maturity. By the Spirit, I'm daily positioned and nerved to fulfil the dictates of Christ's perfection in me. Hallelujah!