Are you perfect in the Lord? Let’s be honest—that question makes most of us squirm. The idea of being “perfect” sounds intimidating, unrealistic, and frankly, unachievable. We may often have introspective thoughts about how unworthy we are before God. How can we reach any form of perfection when we are bombarded with imperfection every day? Aside from the constant barrage of morally questionable news, media and politics, just the day to day stress can be overwhelming. Yes, we live in a fallen world, but our destiny is far above the darkness of this world. Scripture says that in Christ, we are perfected. How can that be? The answer isn’t in flawless performance—it’s in wholehearted pursuit.
Leviticus 21-24 gives us some insight. The priests were required to be without physical defect, a picture of perfection. Leviticus 21:8 says, “He is to be holy for you, because I, ADONAI who makes you holy, am holy.” Notice that God doesn’t say the priest makes himself holy. It’s God who does the making. Holiness means being set apart, consecrated for a higher purpose. The entire book of Leviticus focuses on sanctity—of people, place, time, and even speech. That final part is key: the story of the blasphemer reminds us that what comes out of our mouths reflects what’s happening in our hearts. Holiness wasn’t just for the priests.
Leviticus 20:26 makes it clear that all of God’s people are called to be holy—to be different, distinct, and devoted. But here’s the twist. In Deuteronomy 18:13, Moses says, “Be perfect with the Lord your God.” The Hebrew word use is “tamim,” often translated “perfect,” but it doesn’t mean “flawless.” It means complete, finished, brought to maturity. It’s the same word Jesus uses in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus isn’t setting a bar we can’t reach—He’s calling us to spiritual maturity, to be undivided in our devotion. This idea is echoed in Paul’s letters. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul reminds us that though our outer self is wearing down, our inner self is being renewed daily. The trials we face, the imperfections we battle—these are not signs of failure. They’re ingredients in God’s refining process.
Temporary pain, eternal glory. Perfection in Christ is not about looking like we’ve got it all together. It’s about being transformed from the inside out. It’s about pressing forward. Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” That’s the call—to keep pursuing, not to give up, not to be double-minded, but to be tamim—wholehearted, finished, complete in Him. You may not feel perfect. You may still stumble. But if you are in Christ, the Author and Finisher of your faith is working in you, and He doesn’t leave jobs unfinished. As Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Have faith. In your imperfection you are being perfected.
