The term “perfect’ is used a few times in scripture. Perhaps the most noteworthy is by the half-brother of Jesus, James in his letter to the early church. This from chapter one of his letter; James 1:1-7 (ESV)
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James knew about perfection. He had grown up with his older brother being Jesus. Perfection has nothing to do with living a life of “sinless perfection” which some believers believe and promote. The Greek word here is the word τέλειος; telios. The following is from one of my favorite study tools. “Bible Hub”;
téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature (consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056 (telos). [This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]
James completes the thought by adding the word “complete” which is the Greek word, “ ὁλόκληρος”, holokléros which means “complete in every part” hence the English addition, “lacking nothing”.
Thus, perfect and complete has to do with coming into the full image and character of the person of Christ. The way to this perfection is being single-minded and thankful in every circumstance. Double-mindedness only keeps us in confusion and immaturity. The mark of maturity seems to represent a mindset that God is constantly working in every circumstance to bring forth His perfect will both in me and around me. As we reach that place, it becomes less about me and my comfort and more about Christ living in me and through me.
This was never more evident than in the life of Mary, mother of Jesus. Many theologians believe she might’ve been as young as 14 or 15 years of age when she was visited by Gabriel and espoused to Joseph. There was something about her maturity that is amazing. She never flinched when told of this incredible event that was about to take place in her life. Jehovah was about to step into human history in the person of Jesus Christ. He was not coming as many of the ancient prophets had said. He was not coming in the form of a mighty warrior to deliver Israel from the hand of their Roman oppressors. He was coming in the form of a tiny babe born in a manger in a stable. Mary was the human vehicle in which all this was about to take place. God’s plan was about to alter her life tremendously. You can see this In Joseph’s reaction. He must’ve been devastated at the news that Mary was pregnant. He knew one thing for sure, he wasn’t the father of the one being formed in his betrothed womb. Matthew records is this way; Matthew 1:18-20 (ESV)
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Joseph also displayed great maturity considering the news he had just been given from Mary. He had every right under Jewish law to not only publicly disgrace Mary but have her stoned; Leviticus 20:10 (ESV)
“If a man commits adultery with the wife of[ his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.
But the scriptures say that Joseph was a “just” man. The word “just” is the Greek word “δίκαιος”; dikaios which means 1342 díkaios (an adjective, derived from dikē, "right, judicial approval") – properly, "approved by God" (J. Thayer); righteous; "just in the eyes of God" (Souter). (the meaning is, it was not consistent with his uprightness to expose his betrothed to public reproach). Certainly, Joseph had the character of the Lord. Jesus would be faced this issue some 30-32 years later when a woman caught in adultery was brought to him to judge. His action was the same. He would not expose the woman and Joseph would not expose Mary to such humiliation. The scripture says that Joseph took Mary as His wife right after he woke from the dream.
Now getting back to Mary. Her response is amazing as she certainly recognized that she was about to live a very difficult life. Her response?; Luke 1:37-38 (ESV),
“nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant[f] of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Mary declared herself to be a “bondservant” δούλη, one who gives himself up wholly to another's will.
The place of perfection is when one comes to the place of giving themselves completely to the Lord with no thought of their own life. No complaining, no sulking. Just realizing that it is such a pleasure and honor to be a chosen vessel of the Lord.
“Forgive me Lord, when I complain of hardship and uncertainty. I know the only way to spiritual maturity is living a life of pure love and sacrifice so that You can complete the good work in me and bring me to maturity. I’m thankful that You promise that you will complete that work. Thank you, Lord, for never giving up on me”... Merry Christmas everyone.