VISION OF PERFECTION

“…we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is”” – 1 John 3: 2b

God desires that our Perception of Perfection crystallize into VISION of PERFECTION: “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 Jh.3:2). Vision is vital to life and destiny: “where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” (Pro.29:18a). Some people have a vision of stupendous wealth; others a vision of social, professional or political greatness. Some seek recognition in degrees or in contributions to their disciplines. We all need a clear-cut vision – something to challenge us and bring out the best in us. Like John, every believer carries the seed of a Vision of Perfection.

Jesus had a Vision – to save and redeem humanity, to be glorified, and to bring many sons to Glory (Heb.2:10). He remains our Perfect Model as He exemplified unflinching Focus and unalloyed Vision in the Pursuit of Perfection: “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb.12:1b-2).

The apostle Paul also demonstrated unrivalled Vision on the Pathway of Perfection. He was a gifted leader with a list of qualifications that any Pharisee would admire, including zeal and passion to persecute Christians. But he came to realize and conclude that his chief goal was to reach the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus – a worthwhile, lofty, and noble cause: “I PRESS toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3: 14). This was worth more than a trophy set on a shelf, a treasure in a bank vault or an inheritance that could be passed on to heirs after death.

Paul’s life before he knew Christ, was dominated by pride of religion and academic achievement, until a confrontation with Jesus on the road to Damascus when he bowed before His Lordship, and his life began to rise to its true potentials. While not underrating discipline, Paul realized that following Jesus is not about religious achievements but about walking in a relationship with and lifestyle of dependency upon Him. For the believing lifestyle, knowledge does not relate to information but rather to a Person – to know Christ to an ever-increasing depth and intimacy: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil.3:10).

Paul’s attitudes of focus, vision, and passion are subsumed in the word “PRESS”: “I press on” (Phil.3:12); “I press toward” (Phil.3:14). Wrapped up in this word is the idea of impassioned pursuit. Paul pursued Christ with desperation, urgency, and zeal similar to how he used to persecute the church (Phil.3:6). He sustained compass-like focus; stayed on course; and refused vain imagination. Capturing the vision of the ancient Olympic race, Paul used the language of athletics, exhorting us to press forward, while calling us to forget that which is behind – past fears, distractions, and failures.

The Vision of Perfection produces faith that conquers fear: “...this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1Jh.5:4b). Fears are today’s lies about tomorrow’s promise. Fears are denials of hope rooted in doubts about God’s power, presence, promise, and performances. Fears are false forecasts that try to trip the believer. This Vision also defeats the devil: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1Jh.3:8). It compels us to lay aside carnal distractions and focus perpetually on Him who called us into the race and has already won (Heb.12:2). He nudges us to go the distance by His timeless truths: “Keep pressing toward the mark”! “Don’t look back”! “Never give up”!