October 21, 2024
Passage Read: Philippians 3-4
Meditation Verses: 3:15-16
Thought
The NASB chooses the word "perfect" to translate Paul's idea here: "As many as are perfect." As many as are mature or complete in Christ, as many as have attained perfection according to the standard preached in Christ. Anyone who has attained a completeness in their pursuit of Christ, he encourages to have the same attitude as he does, of continuously pressing on, not plateauing or being content in their spiritual growth or maturity, but continually pressing on toward the goal of knowing Christ better and reaching His presence in heaven. And if there is a matter about which they think differently, God will make it clear to them. So in perfection, there can still be different views on some matters, but perhaps Paul means that even those will come to be aligned across the board. Then he encourages the "perfect" to keep living by the standard to which they have already attained. Perhaps the practical perfection, the sanctification we're supposed to pursue, taught in the New Testament is not as impossible to attain as we often make it out to be. It does not mean that all who have reached such a point will agree on everything, but they will behave in accordance with all the same principles, even receiving such encouragement to keep growing in Christlikeness. They're certainly not proud, but still humble, and can still learn more, and know it.
Application
It is easy to think of perfection in terms of having all things correct and knowing all things, a goal that seems impossible. But the idea of maturity can cover many ages and states of growth. There is physical maturity, which is reached at a fairly young age, but no one who reaches physical maturity would be considered fully emotionally or intellectually mature. Even someone who is both old and wise can still learn new things. Perhaps my understanding of spiritual maturity and perfection should not be defined by perfect and complete knowledge and understanding, but by attaining to a certain level of understanding and practice that is actually achievable, while still leaving room for growth. It would certainly include a great deal of knowledge and understanding, of conformity to the likeness of Christ and practical sanctification, especially in terms of humility. But it does not mean that everyone who is there agrees on every matter, but certainly on every revealed matter, with other matters held gently and with tenderness towards others who see that matter differently.