Are You Perfect?

2 Corinthians 7:1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

2 Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

The key word here is "telos", which is often translated as "perfect", but can equally well be translated "goal, end, or purpose." The "telos" of a thing is that point to which a thing yearns to be, the purpose for which a thing was built. It does not imply that perfection has been attained, but it is the trajectory towards which the essence of a thing strives.

In the case of "Be ye perfect," it is completely legitimate to translate "telos" in the sense of "Be that which God has designed you to be." As Jude 24 implies, we are being made fit to stand in the presence of God. It is the end for which we are made. Jesus is exhorting us here to be that which God would have us eventually be, but he is not necessarily demanding we are already there.

Paul reminds us in his writings of two important things:

-First, that it should be our GOAL to be holy and to live a holiness lifestyle. How do you do that? Paul said, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit..." We understand the don'ts of holiness living, but often overlook keeping our spirit man clean. You can't fulfill your purpose or reach the goal without doing both.

-Secondly, he verified the purpose of God in comprehending our weaknesses, so that the power of Christ would rest on us. This was not an excuse to sin or live a sinful lifestyle, but a true understanding of our dependence upon Him to reach our goals. None of us can accomplish anything in our own strength. It is through Him that strengthens me all is affirmed.

John says that perfect love, or purposeful love, casts out fear. You don't have to live in fear of judgement, righteous indignation, or torment because love with a purpose drives out fear. Not everyone will return your love, but that doesn't really matter. What matters is that you are made purposeful in it and can build something upon it that will last for eternity.

I want to be perfect, meaning keep my eye on my goals, yearn to reach the end of my journey, and fulfill my purpose with all the gusto I can for the Kingdom of God.