Healing Rays of Righteousness

Read Ephesians 4:11-16

This chapter begins with the Apostle Paul saying to the Ephesian Christians, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (v.1).  Then in verses 12-13 he says that Christ has given us, the church, grace gifts of leadership for the purpose of equipping “his people for works of service,” so that all of us will grow in our understanding of Jesus and “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  And again in verse 15, “grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

From these and other scriptures we learn that God intends for us to grow toward perfection in becoming fully human.  The Greek word “teleios” is translated as “perfect” or “mature” and means “complete, fully developed, or all that God intends.”  To speak of perfection in becoming fully human is the equivalent to the next phrase, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said that we are to “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48).  He also told the rich young ruler who asked what he must do to get eternal life, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me” (Mt. 19:21).

And in Colossians 1:28, the Apostle Paul writes, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”

I think the teachings of Jesus and the apostles both confirm “perfection” to be a valid goal in our understanding of becoming fully human as maturing in Christ, and becoming like Christ.  I believe this is God’s creative intention for us, and to the extent that we live in harmony with that intention, we can be “perfect ” as God so much desires us to be, and as Paul says, “become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

In verse 14, Paul jolts us into an awareness of the dangers experienced by those remaining in spiritual infancy.  Christian “infants” are gullible and vulnerable to false and deceitful teachings and easily victimized.  Spiritual toddlers tend to believe everything they are told, and like rudderless boats, tend to go wherever the wind takes them.

And so, Paul urges us toward growth and maturity, perfection, in Jesus Christ.  Jesus and the apostles both teach that spiritual growth, both inward and outward, is to be a dynamic movement toward perfection in becoming like Christ in all of our human life.

Ephesians 4:22-24 – “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”   In other words, “to be made new” is about becoming perfect as a human.

But this raises the question – Why be a Christian rather than a humanist?  Many who call themselves agnostic or atheist are, largely indistinguishable from Christians in their moral sensitivity, their commitment to responsible community action, and their passion for justice.

And, sadly, over the years I have encountered more than a few people identifying themselves as “Christian” with whom I would rather be disassociated from.  The way they live and treat others, what they believe and say, and the things they think are important, cause me great disappointment, concern, and embarrassment to say the least.

Nevertheless, I choose to be a Christian and be identified with the Christian community.  Why?  Because it answers better than any other religion or philosophy the fundamental question – “What does it mean to be human – to be perfect, mature?”

At the center of Christianity is a living, dynamic model of what it is like for a person to be fully human, fully mature, perfect.  That model is the person, Jesus Christ.  For me, he is the only genuine and reliable model, and by which we are called to pattern our own lives.  I see in Jesus the perfect human being that I was created to be.

That’s why I choose to be a Christian, even with its many embarrassing associates.  For at the center of Christianity is One who both shows me the way and, more importantly, who by his indwelling Spirit enables me to “… become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” 

And, in reference to perfection, I say with the apostle Paul, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  …I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:12,14).

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:1b-2).

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 29, 2018