What a silly question. Obviously no one is perfect except for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So then this raises the question of what is being talked about in James 1:4, "And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." How could one possibly be "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing?"
The word "perfect" used here in James 1:4 is not talking about living a perfect life, but is talking about reaching, fulfilling, and meeting the end we were designed for. Let me give an illustration to make this less confusing. When we are trying to drive a screw into a wall, we want to find the screwdriver that fits the particular shape of the screw (a Flathead in this case). So, we pull out the drawer and find a screwdriver that has a gold handle with a huge ruby at the bottom. The shaft is made of diamonds and is overall crafted with the most superior skill. However, the tip of this screwdriver is a Phillips and will not fit this particular screw. So, we go back into the drawer and find a cracked, rusty, splintering screwdriver that is very old and used, but the tip of this screwdriver is a Flathead. This particular screwdriver is "perfect" for completing the task.
Just because we are not sinless .does not mean that we cannot meet our designed end. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23), but "when we walk in the Light as He is in the Light...the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). The task the Lord has given us is to obey His commands and live faithfully. This is going to require maturity and endurance through the struggles and trials we face in this life. We should grow and strengthen ourselves in preparation for the upcoming battles we will have. Let's also not forget about the ultimate goal of heaven. So, are we sinless? Of course not. But, are we perfect? According to James 1:4, those who are maturing, living faithful lives, and completing the task at hand are exactly that. We can all complete the task and meet the designed end the Lord has for each of us, but this means we must live faithfully according to His word. Let's make sure we are doing so.
The word "perfect" used here in James 1:4 is not talking about living a perfect life, but is talking about reaching, fulfilling, and meeting the end we were designed for. Let me give an illustration to make this less confusing. When we are trying to drive a screw into a wall, we want to find the screwdriver that fits the particular shape of the screw (a Flathead in this case). So, we pull out the drawer and find a screwdriver that has a gold handle with a huge ruby at the bottom. The shaft is made of diamonds and is overall crafted with the most superior skill. However, the tip of this screwdriver is a Phillips and will not fit this particular screw. So, we go back into the drawer and find a cracked, rusty, splintering screwdriver that is very old and used, but the tip of this screwdriver is a Flathead. This particular screwdriver is "perfect" for completing the task.
Just because we are not sinless .does not mean that we cannot meet our designed end. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23), but "when we walk in the Light as He is in the Light...the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). The task the Lord has given us is to obey His commands and live faithfully. This is going to require maturity and endurance through the struggles and trials we face in this life. We should grow and strengthen ourselves in preparation for the upcoming battles we will have. Let's also not forget about the ultimate goal of heaven. So, are we sinless? Of course not. But, are we perfect? According to James 1:4, those who are maturing, living faithful lives, and completing the task at hand are exactly that. We can all complete the task and meet the designed end the Lord has for each of us, but this means we must live faithfully according to His word. Let's make sure we are doing so.
--Brett Petrillo
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