Perfect

Perfect
 
“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” I Corinthians 13.9, 10
 

It seems that in recent days, the word “perfect” has come into play more often. You may hear a cashier say, “perfect” when you give her the correct change. Or, you may hear that someone made a “perfect 10” on a gymnastics performance.
 
The word “perfect” can be applied to a variety of situations with a number of applications. As a noun it may refer to something that is complete – something that has reached its full potential or intended end. According to Webster’s Dictionary of 1828, it may refer to someone who is fully informed; completely skilled; as men perfect in the use of arms; perfect in discipline. It may also refer to someone who is complete in moral excellencies as required by our Lord when He said: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5.48)
 
This perfection, according to James, is enhanced as the follower of Christ endures while his faith is being tried under the pressures of trials. James assures us that while trials are inevitable, those who endure patiently will be brought to the purpose for which God has called us. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1.2-4)
 
The word “perfect” may also be used as a verb indicating an action bringing about completion or fulfillment. It may indicate an action on the part of someone in which we may experience complete and unsullied love toward one another. John reminds us that, “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” (I John 4.12ff) Here, the word indicates a love that has reached its final and intended purpose.
 
When Paul pens I Corinthians 13, he is referring to the people in a church that is far from perfect. Their love was as a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal because it was incomplete and immature. Their church was riddled with sin – sin that had become an acceptable norm. It seems that the church, despite their waywardness, possessed many gifts – prophecy, compassion for others, and tongues. It also seems true that their charity (agape – “love”) was corrupted and had not reached its intended goal.
 
Paul stresses that they were not perfect because they had not received that which offered perfection – the revelation of Jesus Christ and His perfect love which was demonstrated in His sacrifice. (I Corinthians 13.10) Unfortunately, even though we have the perfect example who has offered a perfect love and a perfect relationship, we still fall short of offering a perfect love in return because we see things through a smeared lens, often even patterning our lives after a blurry understanding of Christ and His love.
 
We should; however, refrain from comparing ourselves to others (because we all have sin-tainted understandings, Jeremiah 17.9) and strive for a lifestyle of love as we follow our Savior’s lead. (I Peter 2.21) Since the Perfect One has come, we can strive toward the goal of maturity in faith, hope and love as exemplified in our Savior’s life.