What does it mean to be made complete? This was the Apostle Paul’s passion as he discipled others, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).  Completeness is also God’s plan for your life, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Does this concept of completeness characterize your life?  If we’re honest with ourselves we can often find reasons why we’re not complete.  We believe  that we would be complete if . . .

I could lose x amount of weight
I could make x amount of money
I could let go of the guilt and shame that plagues me

The word Paul uses for “complete” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 conveys the idea of complete in all its parts, not wanting or unsound, it is entire and whole.  This Greek word is used in one other place in the New Testament,  “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”  (James 1:5).  What a tremendous promise – you’re lacking in nothing!

Paul declares that God Himself can sanctify you entirely (the word “entirely” is related to the word “complete” and also has the idea of being complete in all respects).  You may be thinking, “But I know I’m not perfect, I have all this junk in my life.”  Welcome to the club – so do I.  When God declares you’re complete that doesn’t mean you’re absolutely perfect and that you won’t make mistakes.  Go back to 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – God sees you as blameless.  God knows that you’re going to fail at times and He still accepts you and He loves you in spite of all your failures and shortcomings.  God loves you just as you are but He loves you too much to leave you as you are.  So you have a choice – you can either believe your fluctuating emotions or you can rest on God’s unchanging word.

The book of Romans helps us to fully understand our relationship with God:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

If Christ has come into your life, then you have peace with God and you will not face condemnation from God.  You are complete!  There is nothing you need to do but rest in God’s acceptance of you through the finished work of Jesus Christ.  This can give you peace of mind and freedom from anxiety.

As Oswald Chambers says, “We should more frequently allow our minds to meditate on these great, massive truths of God”  (My Utmost for His Highest, January 9).

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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