Authentic Leaders Are Flawed
Our Perfection? – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 3:7-11

Key Verse: Philippians 3:12b

or have already been made perfect

As we continue our study of the theology of perfection, look at the words of the Hebrew writer: “to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect…” (Hebrews 12:23).  In our spirits (the inner being) we are perfect before God.  This is why we can be assured of being received into heaven, in the presence of a holy God.

            When Jesus told us to be perfect as our Father in heaven, if He was referring to daily behavior, it would be an impossible challenge.  We can all grow and make progress in our outer behavior, but we will never perfect it until we get to heaven.  Our intentions are holy even when our fleshly bodies fail us.  In other words, I get up every morning determined to live perfectly before God and men.  I never give myself permission to be less than Christ like.  That is why I am so disappointed in myself whenever I sense that I have failed Christ.  I fully intended not to!

            The theology of perfection is an important concept to understand.  If we don’t, we tend to ignore verses in the Bible that speak of our perfection or believe that the scripture teaches a lifestyle that can’t be lived out!  In fact, we are called to have perfect intentions, daily determinations for perfection, even when we fail in that effort.

Father, I am humbled before you, knowing you have made my spirit perfect.  I am determined to grow more and more like you each day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.