Jesus was the perfect embodiment of God's holy temple on earth. We like to affirm that Christ is perfect, and imparts growing perfection to those who dwell in Him. But despite our theological assertions, the word perfect is a stumbling block for most of us. Perhaps this is because our images of perfection are far from perfect!
We tend to imagine perfection as a fleeting or unattainable phenomenon disconnected from the daily smear and blear of life. We are drawn to ideals of perfection in physical beauty or strength that cannot be sustained. We associate perfection with infallible moral purity that is irreparably shattered by a single moral lapse. We are inclined to suspect that anything appearing perfect is either artificial or sure to evaporate under the sultry sun of reality. Perfection is the ethereal phantom we are never allowed truly to possess.
But the biblical notion of perfection is not fragile, phony, or fleeting. It has to do with the end for which we are created: to glorify and enjoy God. Perfection signifies a fulfilling of purpose, a completion of one's own true nature, a deep authenticity and realism that grows in us over time. To be perfect is to be wholly suited to our ultimate end.
-- Marjorie Thompson in Leading From the Center, Spring 2000
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