There is a promise concerning perfection in the bible: "Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4). Doesn't this verse indicate that a kind of perfection is possible? Doesn't it imply that there's a way we can be made complete? So, how can we reach this state of completeness? It certainly sounds fantastic! The Passion Translation says it this way: "And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking." Notice that we're talking of a power at work within us, something that's living and breathing, power that transforms. The Holy Spirit said those words through the Apostle James, making them an absolute promise.
The words of a great Apostle of Faith from the last century ring so very true. Mr. Smith Wigglesworth said this: "To be complete means that you are not moved by anything, that you are living only in the divine position of God. It means that you are not moved, that you are not changed by what people say. There is something about divine acquaintance that is instilled. It is worked within a person by the mighty Spirit of God. It becomes like intuition.
The path laid out before us is so interesting, and consuming! The first part has to do with one of the fruit's of the Spirit. Patience - lasting, consistent Patience. Ouch! Yes, Patience! Not to be confused with being driven by a feeling of passion that elevates for a short while. We need to walk in patience in everything that we do. This will require dedication, honesty, and focus, not to mention wisdom from Heaven to guide us through decisions and stand firm through trials. The bible tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That's where Patience starts! It's the source of the flow.
The second part is that this path requires a personal choice, to step aside, lay ourself down, learn to defer to 'God in us -the hope of glory', and let the Spirit perform living, lasting work,. This tells us that we need a foundation of humility in place to be able to master the art of patience,
The third part has to do with the attitude we carry along the way. "Let it be with all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every kind". (James 1:2-4) We often see how certain of the fruits of the Spirit work together. when each fruit plays its role. When we decide to 'Rejoice Evermore' we lock into gratitude, see the glass half full, smile from within, be part of the solution, and overrule anything that tries to thwart our patience. In this case constant Joy is the instrument that enables. Patience to build in a humble heart. This is an unstoppable combination!
Our ultimate example is Jesus, of course, found in tree key bible passages. Matthew 27:27-54 demonstrates the unspeakable patience of Jesus in the most pivotal, critical and essential trial of all time. Philippians 2 talks of the impact that humility has in our ability to walk in the power of patience, as displayed first by looking at Jesus, then Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus in this chapter. And the continual record of Joy manifested in Paul the Apostle throughout the epistles is the same Joy that will guide us through anything we can ever face in this life.
Do we want to move in strength and wisdom? Isn't it wonderful to trust that God will never fail His promises as we seek to joyfully grow patience in a humble heart! Wigglesworth also said of being complete that "There are many things in your life that you cannot understand, but be patient. When the hand of God is upon something, it may grind very slowly, but it will form the finest thing possible if you dare to wait until it is completed. Do not kick until you have gone through the process - and when you are dead enough to yourself, you will never kick at all. It is a death we die so that we might be alive unto God. It is only by the deaths we die that we are able to be still before God.. You cannot tell what God has in mind for you. As you are still before God - pliable in His hands - He will be working out a greater, more perfect vessel than you could ever imagine in all your life".
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