All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
Do You Want to Be Perfect?
As a recovering perfectionist, my ears perk up when I hear the above scripture. Perfect? Yes! Count me in! If there is a way to achieve it, I want to know all about it.
Here’s How
As a bible enthusiast, it thrills me to discover the verse preceding explains the importance and benefits of being in the Word. I am excited to reconcile the two extremes of my personality: the desire for perfection and studying the Word.
Does that mean I never make a mistake? Hardly! (There is a reason some translations render that word “perfect,” as “complete.”) But the more I give myself to studying and listening to the Holy Spirt, the more I can be corrected and set on the right path. It IS possible to learn how to be in right-standing with God. What person of faith could resist the opportunity to know Him in a deeper and richer way?
By delving into scripture, we become equipped to do whatever He has calls us to do. Your calling may be different than mine. But whatever we both need, we can find in the pages of our bible.
If we apply what we read, at some point, we are considered complete and ready for action.
God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 TPT
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I just want you to know how highly I value those of you who visit my little piece of the cyberspace to read my words. I believe my calling is to encourage others with words of hope and blessing. Thank you especially to those who respond with comments. You make it worthwhile!
All photos created in PicMonkey using family photos. Please do not copy.
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I’m sharing this post with the communities at Five Minute Friday, where this week’s prompt was “complete,” and with Grace & Truth Inspire Me Monday, Remember Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, Tune In Thursday
Photos taken by Jerralea in my area. Please do not copy.
Visiting from FMF 21… I have a hard time equating perfect with complete. To me they are quite different connotatively, and they they work together. To be complete in Christ to me is different than being perfect…. I dunno.. I’m probably missing something in my brain in how I think it all through. 🙂
Annette, most translations say complete instead of the KJV that says perfect..I like complete better. I know it’s not really possible to be perfect – except when viewed through the lens of Christ’s blood covering me.
I do think it means we will have everything we need to complete our calling as we live more and more by the Word.
So true, Jerralea, “By delving into scripture, we become equipped to do whatever He has calls us to do.”
Yes, on my own I would be at a loss! I want to learn more and more!
Thanks for dropping by, Lisa!
While our callings may be different they are also the same. No matter what God has called us to do, teacher, preacher, doctor…He has also called us to tell the Good News 🙂
Amen, Cindy! Thanks for adding to the conversation.
One day, I will be perfect and complete! Amen!
Come Lord Jesus, come …
That is my prayer as well, Linda. Thanks for dropping by!
Such a great post, Jerralea! Your words so resonated with me because I too am a “recovering perfectionist”. LOL! … But there is something beautifully powerful in allow God’s word to transform and perfect us! Anyway, thanks so much for sharing! Blessings to you! 🙂
Tai, I think there might be a lot of us “recovering perfectionists” out there.
So thankful for the Word which is powerful enough to transform us!
Thanks for visiting and adding to the conversation.
Love this post, Jerralea.
Thanks for sharing
So glad you got something out of it. Thanks for dropping by, Sandra!
Lovely post Jerralea. And great message. Blessings.
FMF #15
Thanks for visiting, Paula!
Reading scripture is vital for the believer’s walk. I try to tell my step-children they have to read the Bible to understand God’s mind. They can’t go by what feels right. And the more you read the Bible, the more your feelings will align with God’s. Wonderful reminder today.
I agree. I feel it can’t be stressed enough how vital it is to read His word.
Thanks for coming by, Ashley.
Jerralea, I find it so encouraging to view my time in scripture as an avenue to becoming more complete in Christ. While I understand the old language of using the word “perfect”, it’s hard to shake the cultural impression of wanting to “be perfect” at everything! Sanctification is a life long process!
You’re so right when you say it’s a process. It’s easy to get impatient but I must put the in the work of reading the scriptures. Then the Holy Spirit reminds me of what I have read when I need it.
Always a joy to see you here, Donna!
I love your Jesus sign in your front yard! I can wrap complete better than perfect around my literalist mind – while perfection is part of complete – I can see it as a process – like the journey to complete a cake recipe, change a tire. Sometimes it’s a three-step, 10-step process – to be complete with God it’s a life-time process (and then some). I’ll be turning this over in my mind for awhile. Shalom in the Journey! ~ Maryleigh
Thanks for coming by, Maryleigh. I’m sorry if I gave the wrong impression, the Jesus sign is not at my house, it’s my photo of a house (some years back) in my neck of the woods.
I think you are right – it’s a process. I think we are to strive for it because there is a scripture that says, “Be ye perfect.” Matthew 5:48. This is the King James Version’s rendering, just like it rendered complete as perfect in my example above of 2 Timothy 3:17. In Matthew, the NKJV puts it “you shall be perfect.” which again speaks of a process. All I know is, I’m not there yet, but I want to strive for it.
Jerralea, I enjoyed this post. We are made complete and perfect in and through the completed work of Christ. While it is not the same thing as doing everything perfectly, I try to remember that the Lord sees the beginning from the end. And so while I see what I am yet becoming through Him, He sees the finished product and in Him – we are made complete and perfect. I hope that makes sense how I have written it. We are so blessed in that the process of sanctification is a lifelong journey and God never gives up on us or leaves us unfinished.
Yes, Joanne! I think you said it perfectly. Thanks for your input!
Hi Jerralea,
The “already and not yet” of our completion is such a mystery. Love this post! Thanks for linking up with Grace and Truth.
Blessings,
Tammy
Thanks, Tammy, for dropping by.
I’m so grateful that Jesus’s perfection is the only perfection we need. I fall terribly short on my own. Thank you, God, for your never-ending grace!