To Be or Not Two Be, That is the Question: Be Perfect, Be Holy

Let’s look at another Scripture where the word perfect is found. It’s in Colossians 3:14 “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Here again, is a concept that seems almost impossible. GOD’S people bound together in perfect harmony. Considering the vast number of denominations in our era, how can there ever be perfect harmony? Once again, we must consider the context. Is Paul talking about perfect harmony when it comes to various dogmas which set us apart? It would be great if every denomination could come together with a single list of perfectly aligned doctrines which we could present to the world as a united front. In doing so we could alleviate confusion, get rid of those lines of fellowship which put up walls of disagreement rather than building bridges of unity. I honestly do not think Paul was talking about dogma. Rather, I believe, that the context is about the way we should behave with each other. Again, the word perfect, would probably be better rendered as mature or complete, since we often associate the word perfect in our culture as completely sinless. Remember John’s message, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1John 1:8) Colossians 3 speaks of putting to death actions and attitudes that are subject to the wrath of GOD. We are to put off sinful behaviors because we are a New People, with a New Lifestyle, a life that befits one who has been Reborn and Renewed according to the will of CHRIST. Paul then tells us to PUT ON a New nature, a CHRIST like nature. He lists things like compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, all of which fall under the single category of LOVE. As LOVE grows and matures, we then find that beautiful harmony which comes from a people who show JESUS. The world needs to see JESUS. If we lived this way, we would probably be far less divisive over differences of opinions on how doctrines should be interpreted and practiced. Perfect Harmony; what a beautiful thought.

Russell Ashby