One evening, as I sat on my couch, I wrestled with the idea of being “perfect.”
Like many believers, I had heard countless times that “nobody’s perfect.” Yet, there it was in the Bible, Jesus saying,
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
It seemed an impossible standard until I learned what true biblical perfection means.
I want to share what I’ve learned about spiritual perfection. It’s not an unattainable state of flawlessness. It’s a path to becoming fully developed in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Biblical perfection means completeness and full development, not flawlessness.
- Everyone who is perfect (complete) shall be like their master, Jesus.
- Three keys to perfection: growing in love, mastering your words, and developing patience.
- Perfection is a journey of development, not an instant achievement.
- You can make progress toward spiritual maturity through daily practice.
Understanding True Biblical Perfection
When Jesus said,
“The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” – Luke 6:40 (KJV)
He wasn’t setting an impossible standard. The word “perfect” here comes from a term that means “complete” or “fully developed.” Think of it like a mature tree versus a sapling – both are trees, but one has reached its full development.
This understanding changed everything for me. I stopped feeling condemned by an impossible standard and began to see perfection as a growth journey. Just as a child naturally grows to physical maturity, so can we. We can grow toward spiritual maturity.
The apostle Paul captures this beautifully when he says,
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” – Philippians 3:12 (NIV)
The First Key to Perfection: Growing in Love
Love isn’t just a nice addition to our spiritual life – it’s the very bond of perfection. Colossians 3:14 (KJV) tells us:
“And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness.”
Here’s what I’ve learned about growing in love:
- It requires daily exercise
- Responding with kindness when frustrated.
- Choosing humility when pride rises.
- Practicing patience when tested.
- It starts at home
- Your family provides your first training ground.
- Daily interactions offer countless opportunities.
- Small acts of love build spiritual muscle.
- It develops through challenges
- Difficult people become opportunities for growth.
- Problems become platforms for development.
- Opposition becomes a chance to exercise love.
Remember, love isn’t just a feeling – it’s an action. Every time you choose love over a reaction, you grow toward perfection.
The Second Key: Mastering Your Words
“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” – James 3:2 (KJV)
This verse showed me a deep truth. Our words reflect our spiritual maturity.
Here’s what I’ve learned about mastering my words:
- Be selective to be effective
- Choose words that align with faith.
- Speak what you truly believe.
- Avoid casual negative talk.
- Treat words as creative forces
- Speak life over situations.
- Make declarations based on God’s Word.
- Let your words build others up.
- Practice intentional speech
- Think before speaking.
- Consider the impact of your words.
- Speak with purpose and faith.
The Third Key: Letting Patience Have Its Perfect Work
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” – James 1:4 (KJV)
This verse teaches us that patience isn’t just about waiting. It’s about allowing development to finish its work.
Here’s how to develop patience:
- Embrace the process
- Accept that growth takes time.
- Don’t quit when results aren’t immediate.
- Stay consistent in your faith.
- Keep the long view
- Some answers may take years.
- Stay focused on the end goal.
- Remember that development is progressive.
- Practice persistent faith
- Keep believing despite delays.
- Maintain your confession.
- Stand firm in your commitment.
Conclusion: Moving Forward on Your Journey
The path to being the perfect man isn’t about being flawless. It’s about growing into the fullness of Christ. Start where you are. Practice these principles daily and trust the process of development.
As you journey toward spiritual perfection, keep these final thoughts in mind:
- Progress matters more than perfection.
- Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
- Your words shape your development.
- Love is the foundation of all spiritual growth.
- Patience ensures complete development.
The journey to becoming the perfect man is open to all. It requires a commitment to the process of maturing in Christ. Choose one area to focus on today. It could be growing in love, watching your words, or developing patience.
Remember,
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Your journey toward spiritual perfection is not just possible – it’s promised.
Are you ready to start your journey toward becoming the perfect man? Begin today by choosing one small area where you can practice these principles. Every small step forward is progress. It brings you closer to your goal of spiritual maturity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does being perfect mean never making mistakes?
A. No, biblical perfection refers to spiritual maturity and completeness, not sinless perfection. It’s about growing and developing in Christ.
Q. How long does it take to become “perfect”?
A. Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey. The focus should be on consistent growth rather than reaching a final destination.
Q. Can anyone become spiritually perfect?
A. Yes, Jesus said everyone who is perfect shall be as their master. This path is open to all believers who commit to the process of spiritual development.
