Subject: none of us are perfect.
Strive means to make a strenuous, dedicated, or long-term effort to achieve a goal, overcome difficulties, or compete against opposition. It implies working hard (toiling) or struggling to reach a high standard or attain something, often with a focus on self-improvement or overcoming obstacles.
A need to know.
If any of us are naming the name of Christ and not trying to be better we need to stop if we don’t understand this on earth we will understand in eternity.
Thought.
Biblical believers strive for perfection daily we can’t be who we use to be and who YHWH want us to be at the same time we must learn how to be Christ-like if our old ways not passed away we are not in Christ it’s not how we start it’s how we end.
Perfection is the state of being entirely without flaws, defects, or limitations. It represents the highest conceivable degree of excellence, completeness, or correctness according to a specific standard.
5046. teleios
Lexical Summary
teleios: Perfect, complete, mature, full-grown
Original Word: τέλειος�Part of Speech: Adjective�Transliteration: teleios�Pronunciation: TEH-lei-os�Phonetic Spelling: (tel'-i-os)�KJV: of full age, man, perfect �NASB: perfect, mature, complete, more perfect�Word Origin: [from G5056 (τέλος - end)]��1. complete�{(neuter as noun, with G3588) completeness; in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.}
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
complete, perfect, mature
From telos; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with ho) completeness -- of full age, man, perfect.
see GREEK telos
see GREEK ho
HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 5046 téleios (an adjective, derived from 5056 /télos, "consummated goal") – mature(consummated) from going through the necessary stages to reach the end-goal, i.e. developed into a consummating completion by fulfilling the necessary process (spiritual journey). See 5056(telos).
[This root (tel-) means "reaching the end (aim)." It is well-illustrated with the old pirate's telescope, unfolding (extending out) one stage at a time to function at full-strength (capacity effectiveness).]
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from telos
Definition
having reached its end, i.e. complete, by ext. perfect
NASB Translation
complete (2), mature (4), more perfect (1), perfect (12).
Divine story time.
Biblical perfection, as seen in Matthew 5:48, is an empowering call to embody maturity, completeness, and wholeness in love. This journey involves growing into a Christ-like character, fulfilling one's purpose, and cultivating a heart fully devoted to YHWH. Key aspects of this biblical concept include: a definition of perfection (teleios) that encompasses completion, spiritual maturity, and wholeness; a love that is consistent, all-encompassing, and reflective of YHWH character; a process of growth, sanctification, and transformation through YHWH grace; internal integrity that emphasizes sincere motives and internal consistency; and ultimately, becoming complete in labor, growth, and mental and moral character, unlocking one's full potential on earth to help our community to learn how to be Christ-like.
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Divine story time.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" In its immediate context, this verse is the triumphant culmination of Paul's teaching on spiritual reconciliation and new covenant identity, empowering believers to walk in their newfound freedom. The Immediate ContextDying to the flesh (vv. 14–16): Paul explains that because Christ died for all, believers are no longer bound by self-centered living. Christ-ians are freed from evaluating others (and even Christ) solely by worldly or human standards.Reconciliation (vv. 18–19): Paul emphasizes that YHWH is actively reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, no longer holding people's sins against them.Ambassadors for Christ (vv. 20–21): Because believers have been made a "new creation" and received Christ's righteousness, they are commissioned to act as ambassadors, sharing this message of reconciliation with the world.Core Theological Meanings"In Christ": This refers to a believer's vital, spiritual union with Jesus through faith."New Creation": Paul isn't just talking about a minor behavioral adjustment; he means a fundamental, internal, and spiritual rebirth initiated by YHWH."Old is gone, new is here": The old life of sin, condemnation, and separation from YHWH has ended. In its place begins a brand-new identity, purpose, and eternal perspective.
2 Corinthians 5:17
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
In my personal journey of faith, I've learned that striving to be Christ-like is a continuous process of growth and transformation rather than a quick achievement. The Greek word "teleios," often translated as "perfect," captures this idea of spiritual maturity—a state reached through enduring effort and change over time. This means that no believer is ever truly "finished" but is continually being shaped through trials, learning, and grace. One key takeaway for me has been understanding that striving involves more than just external behaviors; it requires an inward renewal of the heart and mind to align with God's purpose. The verse in Matthew 5:48 encourages us to reflect the completeness and love of our heavenly Father, which challenges me daily to let go of old patterns that no longer serve my spiritual growth. Moreover, 2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes the radical new identity given to those in Christ. This radical transformation is not just moral but a complete re-creation—new beginnings that empower me to live differently with purpose and hope. In practical terms, this means replacing self-centeredness with serving others and embracing forgiveness, reconciliation, and humility. Striving, therefore, is both a struggle and a joy. It is about persistent effort, relying on God's grace, and the deepening of faith that molds our character into something fuller and more mature. I find it encouraging to remember that the journey toward perfection is lifegiving, allowing us to impact our communities positively by becoming more Christ-like in love and integrity. Each step forward is a testimony of God’s work within us, guiding us toward our ultimate goal of spiritual wholeness.
