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Dental Devotions: Perfect?

Whenever I start a dental procedure, I want to complete it with perfection. I strive daily to have perfection in everything that I do. Whether it is an exam, a crown (cap), or an implant, I am giving 100% effort to make my work perfect. I want to give my patients my very best.

However, while studying my Bible, I noticed that it gives another meaning of perfection. In the Bible, “perfect” does not carry the idea of flawlessness with it. It conveys something much deeper and richer than that.  Let’s look at three scripture verses taken from the NKJV of the Bible. God’s Word illustrates these ideas clearly.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. -James 1:4

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” -Matthew 19: 21

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. -1 John 4:18

The Greek word for perfect is teleios. This word means mature or complete. It is not the same as our meaning of perfect or perfection which means without flaws.

If I place complete or mature in the place of perfect in the above scriptures, they take on a new meaning for me. In James 1:4, he is saying let patience have its complete work, that you may be mature and complete. God is maturing believers. In Mathew, Jesus is telling the rich man that in order to be complete, he needs to sell his things, and follow Him. We are only complete in Jesus. As the song says, “there is no other way.” And John is telling believers that mature love casts out fear and he who fears has not been made complete in love. Only through God are we able to love and to love completely.

God is continually perfecting, maturing, and completing us. He molds us and shapes into the image of His Son, so that we become Christ-like in all things. I am so thankful that He is working in me, because I am so far from being PERFECT!

Dr. Barker and the Searcy Family Dental family strive to develop lifelong relationships with their patients by combining the latest in dental technology and techniques, including dental implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and root canal treatments with a professional and compassionate staff. If you’re looking for a new family dentist in Searcy, Arkansas or are in need of an oral cancer screening, dental implants, teeth whitening, tooth extraction surgery, dentures, and more, check out our website and schedule an appointment today!

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