The Only True Perfect Life

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.

— Philippians 3:12

It’s truly not possible for a single one of us to be perfect, but every day many people reach for an unachievable mark. We often seek perfection in our careers, in sports and even in physical appearance. We begin to believe the lie that we must become perfect to be accepted by others.

A drive to attain ultimate perfection leads to stress, frustration and even physical illness. A desire to be perfect causes us to put pressure on ourselves to do something within our own abilities and for our own reward, when we were created instead, to achieve great things with God’s help.

The only perfect life was lived by Jesus Christ. And we can experience that only when He lives inside each of us. That’s a gift that comes from nothing we’ve done and everything He’s done. Only in Him can we overcome our inadequacies, failures and sins.

One of the Greek words for perfect is telios, which means “completed.” So, to be perfect is to be finished and accomplished in Christ. Completion is the work of God. He created us, saved us and is faithful to complete His work in us (Philippians 1:6).

And we have a part in the process. We have a responsibility to grow in our faith, to unite with God and to allow Him to be at work in each of us.

Today’s One Thing

Ask God if there’s something you’re trying to do on your own that might be contrary to His plans. Are you willing to adjust your course? Talk to Him about that today.

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