Perfectionism

3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect...

By taking a number of Scripture verses out of context (e.g. Matt.5:48; 1John 3:6-10, 5:18) some Christians down through the ages have embraced a theological error called perfectionism. It has been dominant among Quakers, in Holiness churches, and in many Wesleyan churches (and also among some Methodists and other Christians). The label "Holiness" is indicative of perfectionist doctrine.

Though there are many brands of perfectionism, they all teach that some Christians reach a level of sinlessness not characteristic of more run-of-the-mill Christians.

There are numerous dangers of perfectionism. One is that it divides the body of Christ into two-levels. There are haves and have-nots. There are real, godly Christians on the one hand, and then there are struggling, impure Christians on the other hand.

Perfectionism also leads to minimization of sin. The only way a person can think of himself as perfect is to fail to see the gravity of his own sin. So instead of crying out, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me," it encourages people to strive to find no sin in their hearts. (Some perfectionistic Christians claim they do make mistakes, but don’t commit sins.) Discovery of sin is the door that opens up the storehouse of God’s grace to us. Perfectionism ruins the godly practice of repentance.

In this verse Paul makes it clear that he for one had not reached a level of sinless perfection. May none of us have the audacity to claim to be more spiritually advanced than the Apostle Paul!

"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:8-9)

You are the only perfect One, O God, excellent in all Your ways. If Paul did not attain to perfection, how much less have I! Indeed, I sin every minute of the day. I praise you that You put up with me in Your great love. I praise You that are faithful and just to forgive my sin and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Lord, save me from hiding my sin. Save me from self-righteousness. Help me to acknowledge the ways I fail You in confidence that through Christ You stand ready to forgive and restore.