Turning to Hebrews 6:1, we are told to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ and go on to perfection. It goes without saying that Matthew 5:8 and Hebrews 6:1 set before us a tremendous challenge. They issue to us a great challenge to be all that we possibly in the kingdom of God. Often when we hear the word "perfect", we immediately think of that which is blameless or without fault. However, as used in Matthew 5 and Hebrews 6 the word means fully grown, mature. From the day we come forth from the watery grave as new creatures in Christ we must strive to grow into maturity as a child of God (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18; Heb.5:12-13).
Being perfect or striving for perfection does not carry with it the meaning of being without fault or sin (! John 1:8). We are weak, frail, human beings who must constantly buffet our bodies lest we lest we say, think or even do those things that are contrary to God's will (1 Corinthians 9:27; Mark 14:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13). Yet in spite of our human weaknesses, if we are going to please God, we must ever strive for perfection.
Striving for perfection will involve a dedicated effort to abstain from those thing that are evil (1 John 2 :15-17; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Thess. 5:22). It will require that we give our heart entirely to God with a love that knows no bounds (Prov. 23:26; Mark 12:30). Striving for perfection begins by being upright, fearing God and hating evil (Job 1:1; Prov. 1:7; Prov. 8:13; Prov. 14:26-27; Eph. 4:14-15; Heb. 12:28). Striving for perfection we develop roots in Christ and form solid convictions on which we stand steadfast. With strong convictions, people will know what we believe, where we stand and why (1 Cor. 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Pet. 3:15-16).
It is my desire and prayer that all who read these words will ever seek to be perfect, striving every day for the perfection that will one day bring about the greatest victory imaginable.
Charles Hicks
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