Aim for perfection

About two months ago (Quay County Sun, March 21), I stated that, while Jesus makes us perfect, we still have individual responsibility in attaining our perfection (Matthew 5:48). Along the thought that we are to be perfect as God is perfect, I considered how God is perfect and how we can be perfect.

First, God is perfect in his works (Deuteronomy 32:3-4). Like Moses, we should recognize that God’s works are perfect in regard to creation, including humankind, who were created in his image, although, that has been corrupted by sin (Genesis 1:26-31; 3:17-18; 6:5-6; Romans 3:23).

Second, also according to Deuteronomy 32:3-4, God is perfect in his ways – his word, which makes him just (Psalm 18:30; 19:7; 2 Samuel 22:31-32). When God speaks, he swears by himself because there’s nothing greater and nothing else completely unchanging (Hebrews 6:13-20; Psalm 110:4; Titus 1:2; Numbers 23:19; James 1:16-18). Even when man conforms to God’s perfect ways, although the Bible describes God’s response as changing his mind, he actually changed nothing because he has always said that those who repent of their wickedness will not be punished (Jonah 1:1; 3:1-10; Ezekiel 18:20-32). That is but one example of the unchanging nature of God and how the word of the Lord stands forever for our protection [Malachi 3:6; 1 Peter 1:24-25; Psalm 103:6-12; 2 Peter 3:8-9]. This is how God treats everyone equally – justly according to his revealed perfect way (Matthew 5:43-45).

Third, God is perfect in his will (Romans 12:1-2). Of course, his perfect will is why he is perfect in his works and way. God’s will to make atonement for our sin, bringing about justice with mercy, was established before the foundation of the world because he wanted to not harm but to give us a future with hope (Matthew 25:31-34; Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 3:22-26; James 2:13).

So, how do we comply with Jesus’ command to be perfect as God is perfect? We must aim for it, pressing on to the goal of God’s will for us, although we must understand that perfection is not attained until we see Jesus (2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 3:5-10; Hebrews 11:39-40; Philippians 3:10-16; 1 John 3:1-3). Our own prayers and the prayers and encouragement of other Christians also is necessary for our perfection (2 Corinthians 13:9; James 5:16).

Self-control must be practiced even in the most seemingly minor areas to grow toward perfection because allowing small things to get out of control can lead to bigger problems (James 3:2-8). Since we cannot even keep the small things under control without God’s help, putting him on the throne of our lives is actually the first step in progressing toward perfection (Matthew 19:16-26; 6:33; 2 Samuel 22:33-37). So, we must offer ourselves to him first to allow him to do his perfect work in us (Philippians 2:12-15; Romans 12:1-2; 6:3-11; Colossians 2:9-12; 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Is your aim perfection? Have you put God on your throne through obedient submission to his will and way (1 Peter 1:22-23)?

Leonard Lauriault writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]