It is possible to be perfect.
James tells us that whoever does not offend with their tongue, that person is perfect. (3:2)
Now isn't that interesting?!?
How often I hear a comment such as, "No one can be perfect!" whenever the subject of being perfect comes up.
We are told more than once in the Scripture to be perfect, and this verse tells us how we can achieve that.
However, it must be noted that James also tells us that no man can tame the tongue.(3:8)
That is worthy of our consideration, because to the undiscerning, there appears to be a contradiction.
Look at the context of verse 8, and you will see that James uses natural elements such as a bit in a horse's mouth, the rudder of a ship, and wild animals to show how we have dominion in this life. He then makes his statement about no man being able to tame the tongue. He is speaking of outside influences.
In other words, there is no way I will ever be able to train you to control your tongue. That is not to say, however, that you cannot train yourself to control your tongue.
Discussion:
Have you ever offended someone with your speech?
If it was unintentional, how did you feel afterwards?
Has the Lord ever dealt with you about watching your words?
Tell us about that.
Showing posts with label perfection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perfection. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Possibility of Perfection
Matt. 5:48 Be perfect therefore, as your your heavenly Father is perfect. (NIV)
This appears to be an imperative from Jesus. He tells us to be perfect.
This follows on the heels of all the statements He made that elaborated on what was commonly thought. "You have heard it said...but I say..." He is telling us to be different than the norm.
How hard that is for many Christians!
That little connector word "as" could mean either "to the same degree" or "because He is."
To my mind, it doesn't make much difference. He began millenia ago by telling the Israelites that they were to be holy, because He is holy. I'm not convinced that the God who changes not (Mal. 3:6) has changed.
We seem to have a problem with that word "PERFECT." I get the impression that we are scared to death of it, because of its implications.
What do you think.
I will be continuing this topic for the next few days.
Thank you for supporting our site at http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
This appears to be an imperative from Jesus. He tells us to be perfect.
This follows on the heels of all the statements He made that elaborated on what was commonly thought. "You have heard it said...but I say..." He is telling us to be different than the norm.
How hard that is for many Christians!
That little connector word "as" could mean either "to the same degree" or "because He is."
To my mind, it doesn't make much difference. He began millenia ago by telling the Israelites that they were to be holy, because He is holy. I'm not convinced that the God who changes not (Mal. 3:6) has changed.
We seem to have a problem with that word "PERFECT." I get the impression that we are scared to death of it, because of its implications.
What do you think.
I will be continuing this topic for the next few days.
Thank you for supporting our site at http://www.practicalbibleteaching.com/
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