Those Who Are Perfect

Those Who Are Perfect

Who are those who are perfect, and how are they perfect? They are pure (perfect) according to their conscience. There is purity in wisdom. Paul says, “However, we speak wisdom among those who are perfect . . . .” 1 Cor. 2:6. They all walk by the same rule (Phil. 3:15-16) in truth (light, purity). They are the very ones who, like Paul, glory only in the cross of Christ by which the world is crucified to them and they to the world. They speak the same thing, being perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Cor. 1:10. In other words, they do not make flowery speeches, saying that they lack nothing; but they are the ones who because of their purity have much yet lack even more. They speak firmly and uniformly because they, like Elihu, speak pure knowledge with their lips what they have received through acknowledgment.

How can you find one of these perfect ones who is established in Jesus Christ as a member of His body?

You will find that his nature and his conduct are characterized by rest; you will see that his gait is steady and straightforward and that his speech is unwavering and immovable: “Yes, Yes,” and “No, No.” Specifically, you will be amazed at the rest he has in his decisiveness. Everything that has to do with his person is irreproachable, measured by an eternal understanding of life. If you attack him, you will quickly and calmly be destroyed by the wisdom that God gives to the one who loves Him. His words are in the light; therefore he will have nothing to do with the folly that he encounters from people’s lips. He is, like Jesus, a judgment of people’s thoughts, words, and deeds and is therefore hated by everyone who does not walk in the light. “This is the judgment, that light has come into the world . . . .” John 3:19. Just as you observe that he is quiet himself, so you will also find that he is seeking for solitude when he has the opportunity. You will not find him speaking to you as much as you will be surprised by his answer which he will not fail to give. He will be found to be like a puzzle; you will not see so many signs of outward happiness, yet the strange thing is that you will not, under any circumstance whatsoever, discover signs of discontent or dissatisfaction. His peace is always constant, for his conduct, words, and appearance under all of life’s situations is characterized by peace, infinite peace. Just as he does not appear to be rejoicing, so he also does not appear to be loving, seeing that he does not have a smile that is so exceedingly friendly and does not speak honeyed words like others do. Yet his love will put the others to shame by his faithfulness, because you will always discover that he does and says what is of benefit for everyone—because this is the nature of God’s love, therefore it is the fulfillment of the law. Rom. 13:10. You will not hear his strength very much, yet you will see him standing after he has overcome all things while others who are impressed with their strength for a time so you could hear it a long ways off will eventually fall by the wayside because of vanity and arrogance. You will search for the source of his strength in vain because you do not hear constant noise. His feet are always shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace—always ready to pay heed to and choose the good and reject the evil. By doing this he does not get tired and bored of hearing about God’s ways and judgments, but he would always much rather hear instruction unto wisdom than listen to noise from songs and music, celebrating the appointed feast with iniquity. Isa. 1:13; Amos 5:21-24; Eccl. 7:5. Therefore you will find him doing the good without ceasing and in pursuit of the goal from light to light, capable of and doing good works, willing always to deny himself, humble himself, practice moderate in all things, and suffer in order to be fully equipped for every work of ministry. This walk is before God’s face; therefore he is meek. The sum total of all this is wisdom. The person who is thus found is a wise man. Is everyone saved unto wisdom? Yes, for with the humble is wisdom. Prov. 11:2. All the treasures of wisdom are in Christ, and we are in Him. And this wisdom—the body, Christ and the church—is the Father’s delight day and night.