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
• 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}
• From the Universal Father who inhabits eternity there has gone forth the supreme mandate, “Be you perfect, even as I am perfect.” — The Urantia Book (1:0.3) {1955}
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 I. 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