Divine Definitions: (1) Complete in all respects; without defect or omission; flawless; (2) Thoroughly excellent; faultless; (3) Completely correct and accurate; exact; precise; (4) Without reserve or qualification; pure; impeccable; (5) Totally effective; expertly proficient; (6) The ultimate ideal; the highest position; the acme; (7) Nothing wanting; finished; (8) The creator of the desire to attain perfection
Comment: Our imperfection is part of the divine plan. We are designed to grow. God experiences growth through sharing our consciousness and adventures.
PERFECTIBLE
Human Definitions: (1) progressive refinement; (2) capable of improvement
Quote: Possibilities … — Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) Last word in The Red Book {2009}
Proverb: The gem cannot be polished without friction; nor the man perfected without trials. — Korean
Comments:
• It is possible to get locked into a small idea of what perfect is. We need to be willing to leap beyond our known understanding into the greater realm beyond – where chance, possibilities, mistakes, growth, and greater freedom abound.
• We can damn our failures, but know that damning them does not really do any good. As a matter of fact, it does more harm. The incident has passed. The best thing to do, as quickly as possible, is to regret you did it and focus on improvement; learn the lesson. Since we are living inside time, there is the possibility of repeating or not repeating the past.
• Take into consideration your ability, the social situation, and the circumstance to determine how “perfect” you can be. The perfect act takes all variables into account, and melds them together with mindful wisdom. Keep your eye on the ideal. Maintain your honorable intention. Relative perfection is subjective. As you learn and grow, you refine the subjectivity and it gets better.
PERFECTION
Human Definitions: (1) complete in all respects; without defect or omission; faultless; (2) thorough excellence in skill or quality; expert; proficient; (3) completely correct or accurate; exact; precise; (4) without reserve or qualification; pure; impeccable; (5) totally effective; meticulous; (6) a fine physical specimen; sound; flawless; (7) appreciative of the character or nature of someone or some ‘thing;’ the most admirable quality
Derivation: The word “perfect” as the Bible uses it of men, does not refer to sinless perfection. Old Testament characters described as “blameless” or “wholly devoted” were obviously not sinless. Although a number of Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “perfect,” the thought is usually either “completeness in all details” (Hebrew: tamam; and Greek: katartizo) or “to reach a goal or achieve a purpose” (Greek: teleioo). Scripture recognizes that Christians do not attain sinless perfection in this life.
Balancing Qualities: Common sense, Down-to-earth
Compatible Qualities: compromising, realistic
Quotes:
• Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. — The Bible, Matthew 5:48
• From the Universal Father who inhabits eternity there has gone forth the supreme mandate, “Be you perfect, even as I am perfect.” (1:0.3) — The Urantia Book {1955}
• The most important question to ask at any one moment is, “How is this perfect?” — Joe Burull (1947-2021) American photographer
• When we realize a total of something as we are experiencing it, we are for that moment, perfect. — Jacquelyn Small, Transformers, the Therapists of the Future {1982}
Three Stages of Perfection
1. Positional perfection, already possessed by every believer of Christ (Hebrews: 10:14)
2. Relative perfection, i.e., spiritual maturity, especially in the will of God, love, holiness, patience, and “everything good.” Maturity is achieved progressively, “perfecting holiness” and “Are you now being made perfect?” Perfection is accomplished through the gifts of ministry bestowed.
3. Ultimate perfection, perfection in soul, spirit, and body
— Cyrus Ingerson Scofield (1843-1921) American biblical scholar, The Scofield Reference {1909}
Tip: Perfect is doing the next thing that is possible for you to do, and doing it with positive intention.
Comment: One does not become instantly perfect, but one is as perfect in the moment as one allows oneself to be. There are both absolute and relative perfection. Since we are finite beings, we should accept the fact that we are in the realm of relative perfection. If we compare absolute perfection to finite perfection there is a dramatic gap. But there need not be any negative connotation applied to relative perfection simply because the gap exists. Perfection is still perfection even in its most immature or childlike manifestation.
Question: Can I be perfect if I cannot deal with my own perfection?
Symbols: 1) the circle; 2) the number ten