Striving for perfection

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2.

Striving for what is good, or striving for perfection?

Believers usually strive for that which is good, but sadly very little. They seek and hope, believing that things might improve somewhat in one area or another during the course of a longer period of time, but hardly in all areas. When compared to the great and glorious promises of Scripture, this is absolutely pathetic.

In a weak sort of way they strive for that which is good, but they are far, far away from striving for perfection—perfection in all areas concerning meekness, humility, truthfulness, thankfulness, wisdom, righteousness, submission, chastity, love, patience, etc. Romans 12:2 states the following: “That good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” [Emphasis added.] It is one thing that it is good, in contrast to being bad; it is quite another thing for it to be perfect! He who seeks shall find! If I strive for the good with all of my heart, I will find the good; if I strive for that which is perfect, I will find that which is perfect.

Why does a person not strive for perfection with the utmost zeal in all areas??? For the simple reason that he does not believe in the least that he can achieve it.

Who would make the effort to obtain something—even if it were ever so glorious—if he felt convinced that he would never obtain it? No one would do that.

Generally speaking, people believe all kinds of things, but what they believe in most is defeat! That is also something to believe in! And if people believe in a kind of victory, it is in a kind of approximate victory!

Where is it written?

It is sort of taken for granted that no one can obtain perfection in this world. Where is that written? It states the exact opposite in my Bible. If there is something that people are generally convinced of, it is that everyone has their failings and that they must obviously keep on failing as long as they are in this corruptible body. My Bible states something totally different! In James 1:4 it is written, “That you may be perfect and complete …”

Strive for perfection! Believe that you will obtain it, and you will obtain it. “All things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23. [Emphasis added.] All things are possible for God!