Perfect? Who Me?

Daily Reading:  Philippians 3

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own... Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (Philippians 3.12, 15)

Devotional Thought: In Philippians 1, Paul called you a saint.  Here in Philippians 3, our chapter for today, Paul calls you “perfect.”  Perfect?  Me?  Well, no and yes. 

First, Paul denies perfection.  In verse 12, Paul plainly says, when it comes to the perfection of the resurrection: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect…”  He knew that there was a perfecting that was yet to be attained, the perfecting of the resurrection.  Yet, Paul says in verse 15 that there are "those of us who are perfect.” The same root word translated "mature" in verse 15 is translated "perfect" in verse 12.  John Wesley said that there is a difference between one who is perfected and one who is perfect.  The one who is perfected (v. 12 – been made perfect) is the one who has received the prize.  The one who is perfect (verse 15) is the one who is fitted for the race.

None of us, this side of heaven, has received that perfection which is the prize of the resurrection.  We all have weaknesses; we all make mistakes; we all fall short.  Yet, there is a perfection that is attainable in this life.  It is the perfection of Christian maturity, obtained as we deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus.  The race is one of struggles and battles, which point to our imperfections.  But, we can be perfectly suited to face those struggles and win those battles through the power of the indwelling Spirit.  Don’t ever fall into the trap of thinking that you are not able to live a victorious and holy Christian life in this world of struggle and battle.  Jesus’ power is able to perfect you for that very thing.

Prayer: Lord, it is without spiritual vanity that I seek to be perfectly fitted for the life you have given me.  In all my imperfections, grant that I would not excuse myself, but rather grow into your likeness.  I have one deep supreme desire - that I may be like you, Jesus!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 132.6-10

6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

7 "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!"

8 Arise, O LORD, and go to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.

9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let your saints shout for joy.

10 For the sake of your servant David, do not turn away the face of your anointed one.