Perfection in Scripture means completeness, ripeness, soundness, and maturity, the fullness of the stature of Christ, who embodies every one of these traits. Paul's call to go on to perfection is a real instruction, and excuses such as "I'm not perfect" do not let anyone off the hook. Perfection does not come easily. Like a child growing to adulthood, a believer matures through endurance and diligence, and suffering is part of the perfecting process, just as Christ learned obedience by the things He suffered. Perfection cannot be developed in isolation, because Christ ties it to how we treat others, even enemies, and God Himself keeps working with us and perfects us. Maturity does not make a person popular. Job was called perfect by God yet was turned on by his friends and wife, and Christ was despised more than any man. The fruits of perfection are peace, soundness, patience, faith, good works, a controlled tongue, and love that casts out fear, along with willingness to give up what is dear for God and man. Absolute freedom from fault comes only when human nature is changed into God, so maturity increases now but is completed then. Paul admitted he had not fully arrived, yet he pressed on with a perfect attitude, forgetting the past and seeking the prize. The perfected will never be cast out of their inheritance. Even the faithful of Hebrews 11 must wait in their graves so that all inherit God's Kingdom together.

As human beings, we often consider ourselves mature, unable to imagine being anything less. Yet, while we agree that God desires us to become perfect or spiritually mature, we tend to lower the standard when measuring ourselves against our own definition of maturity. God, however, has not left the standard to us; it is the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Our Savior set the example of spiritual maturity, never sinning even once. Though it is too late for us to live a sinless life, we can strive to be blameless or perfect like Abraham. We may not reach absolute perfection or spiritual maturity until our change comes, but that remains the ultimate goal. In the spirit-inhabited Kingdom of God, our every thought will be under control, and until then, the best way to reveal any remaining immaturity is by comparing ourselves against the absolute perfection of Christ. Should we strive for perfection? Rephrased, should we strive for spiritual maturity or try to be complete Christians? Of course! By making the effort to grow and working to become complete, we are carrying out our responsibility. We must overcome and grow, striving for excellence in all we do, working with our might to become the complete, mature, perfect Christian. A life of overcoming and growth is not easy, and because of that, at Christ's return, a mere Participation Trophy will not suffice; our trophy will read Eternal Life. We will make mistakes and commit sins along the way, yet we can still become perfect. As unfinished puzzles, God, the Master Puzzle Builder, is working to fill in our empty spots. As we build character and endure trials, more pieces are added, and true, godly love binds all the virtues together in perfection. So, when anyone claims that God knows us too well to demand perfection, do not believe it. We indeed can, and must, become perfect.

Genesis 6:9 states: These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. The phrase "perfect in his generations" has been misunderstood to imply racial purity, suggesting that Noah's ancestors were of the same racial stock, making him uniquely perfect among his contemporaries. However, this interpretation is incorrect. The verse carries no connotation of race but focuses entirely on Noah's spiritual integrity and morality. God chose Noah for his righteousness and obedience, not for any supposed physical or genetic perfection. A more accurate understanding of "perfect in his generations" relates to Noah's moral standing among his contemporaries, highlighting why God selected him to build the ark and reestablish human society on a godly foundation. Physical traits or genetic perfection are not priorities for God; rather, He values the faith and righteousness exemplified by His children.