Perfect (adj.): being entirely without fault or defect; flawless (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).
They say that nobody is perfect in this world. I imagine that as you read this question perhaps this was the automatic answer your mind registered, but why is that? One reason may be due to the definition (above) that we tend to associate with the adjective. This word, “perfect,” is a word that we tend to cower away from and ignore because anytime it appears we tend to focus on the opposite of it’s definition. It provokes us to begin to notice the flaws in us and in a subtle way it subdues us to believe that we are not perfect due to those “imperfections.” That, then, is the problem with answering this question; it becomes a spotlight that focuses on the areas of our imperfections that we would rather ignore and hope no one else notices. This, however, is the result of viewing and understanding the word in only one way. As disciples of Christ, this is a question we have to constantly ask ourselves in order to be able to grow in the vineyard of our Lord. But if we always shy away from it, how will we know what it is we need to perfect? Therefore, the first step to answering this question properly is remembering that as any other word, perfect has more than one meaning and it is not always referring to flawlessness. The apostle Paul was not afraid of answering this question because he understood it’s true purpose. On the contrary, in his answer he teaches two very distinct views of the word (Philippians 3:12, 15). In the third chapter of his letter to all the saints in Philippi, Paul takes a very sincere look at himself in the mirror of righteousness and is able to provide more than one answer. He begins his answer by stating that he has “confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:4), but later confirms that this is not what makes a person perfect because to him “what things were gain…I have counted loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7). Let us first observe that the perfection we are inquiring about has no relation with what we have in the flesh. It has nothing to do with the material riches we may acquire in this earthly life, nor does it refer to our academic and social achievements we may have reached. He states that all of this does not make a man perfect but instead it becomes a hindrance to his goal of perfection. He makes the important revelation that only with “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” will we know how to answer this question properly (Philippians 3:8). Therefore we must accept and understand that this question regarding perfection concerns our spiritual life and not the physical one. Secondly, because it has to do with the status of our spiritual life, perfect cannot be interpreted as flawless. Once again the apostle clarifies this by pointing out where it is that we will truly be flawless by stating the following:
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect but I follow after, if I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus…I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12, 14)
Note that in his first interpretation of the word perfect, Paul declares that flawlessness is attainable; just not here on earth. He tells the saints at Philippi the he was not “already perfect.” When something is flawless, it has no defect nor weakness. One could say that it is complete. The Greek word used by Paul here is teleioo and it means to complete, that is, accomplish (Strong, 2002, 5048). It is used approximately 33 times in the King James translation of the Holy Scriptures and it always refers to completing or fulfilling a task (i.e. Luke 2:43, John 4:34, Acts 20:24). So then we see by the Greek definition and context that what he means by not being “already perfect” is that he had not yet reached eternal glory! The apostle teaches us that his goal was set on reaching “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This “high calling” is undoubtedly the day of judgment when all who have died faithfully will hear those sweet words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Therefore, we see that flawlessness can only be enjoyed in our God’s eternal glory, which ultimately should be every Christian’s “mark.” However, the apostle then says something very curious, “Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded” (Philippians 3:15). If perfection can only be attained in eternal glory, then why would Paul encourage those who are perfect to be of one mind? It is here where Paul presents unto us his second interpretation of the word perfect. Paul makes a call to those who are perfect to join forces; but it is obvious that he does not use the word in it’s denotation of being flawless. He has already revealed that he himself had not yet reached, or rather fulfilled, this goal. The Greek word used by the apostle here is telios and it means complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc. (Strong, 2002, 5046). It appears approximately 19 times in the King James version of the new testament and each time it is used in the context of maturity or spiritual growth (i.e. Ephesians 4:13, 1st Corinthians 2:6, 1st Corinthians 14:20). Paul is able to pinpoint who is perfect thru the unity that exists between them. We can determine then that he uses the word perfect in reference to their spiritual maturity which allowed them to be united with one another in the mind of Christ. It is necessary then that we comprehend that we are challenged by the Holy Spirit to become perfect, that is to mature in our spiritual lives (2nd Peter 3:17-18). Paul understood the purpose of this question; he knew that it’s purpose was to make man reflect over his spiritual growth. That it is meant to make us examine ourselves in regards to our daily Christian living. We stated once before; if we cannot see what our imperfections are, how can we tend to them? The Lord has always wanted a nation of people who are wise and mature (Deuteronomy 4:5-6, Ephesians 4:14-15). Therefore, we must not be afraid to answer this question but rather we must embrace it. We must acknowledge its true intentions in our lives and allow it to motivate us rather than discourage us. Next time we are asked “Are you perfect” let us make a sincere self-examination of our spiritual growth and without fear let us answer it truthfully never forgetting that the flawless part of perfection is our mark to reach in eternity.