COLOSSIANS 1:28

“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” 

I have been a follower of Christ since I was 16, but I have still not arrived. I have matured a lot since way back then, but  there is a lot I don’t understand. I am not completely complete, but yet I am positionally. Confused? Don’t be. Let’s take a look at what Paul means by today’s words to us in verse 28.

Paul is saying our aim should be to bring all followers of Christ into completion. “so that we may present every person complete in Christ.” The word “complete” is téleios. It means “going through the necessary stages to reach the end–goal,…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).” (HELPS Word Studies)

APPLICATION

This word is used in Matthew 5:48 by Jesus to describe us and God. “Therefore you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. What?! We’re supposed to be perfect? That’s what Jesus said. We know Jesus would not lie or exaggerate about this. Our purpose, our goal is to be like Him. He was perfect. He was complete. We should be like Him.

Paul uses this word in 1 Corinthians 2:6a, “Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature;” That’s the idea that I really want to get across. Our goal each day as a Christ follower should be to grow more like Him. We should always be maturing in faith. It’s too sad that we choose sometimes to regress and go backwards.

I love how James uses this word in James 1:4 where he is speaking about the purpose of trials. “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” God allows trials in our lives to mature us, to grow us up. Enjoy the journey He has for you, knowing His plan is to make you more and more like Him.

Lord, I want to be like You. Grow me and mature me to be perfect like You.