But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:4).
There’re two key words I want you to notice in the verse above; the words “perfect” and “entire.” The term “perfect” comes from the Greek word “teleios,” which means complete. While “entire,” on the other hand, is translated from the Greek word “holokleros” and it means to be complete in every part; consummate, a wholeness, nothing that is needed is missing. This is the will of God for you.
In Colossians 4:12, the Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, tells us something remarkable. He says, “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Again, the word “perfect” here is the Greek “teleios.” And then Paul introduces another word, “pleroo” (Greek), translated as “complete.”
“Pleroo” means to be full, to be replete or chockful. It also signifies fulfilment, accomplishing a purpose, or bringing something to completion. This raises an important question: chockful or replete with what? It brings to mind Paul’s beautiful prayer of the Spirit in Colossians 1:9, that the Christians in Colossae may be filled, replete, with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
Then the ensuing verse 10 tells us the reason for this repleteness in the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). Think about that! God wants you perfect and complete; consummate, whole, replete with the knowledge of His will so that you may live a life that’s worthy of Him and pleases Him in every way, being fruitful in every good work as you increase in the knowledge of God. Hallelujah!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for your Word that transforms and aligns me with your perfect will. As I meditate on your truth, I stand perfect and complete in all that you have planned for my life, guided by your Spirit into fullness and wholeness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 3:19; Ephesians 4:13
1-year bible reading plan
Mark 9:14-32; Numbers 7-8
2-year bible reading plan
Matthew 19:1-12; Exodus 10
