Mind of the Spirit

“Nope!”

The answer came just seconds after the question was put on the table.  We were discussing the theology of perfection and the different perspectives in the church.  As soon as someone asked, “So, is it possible?” the thought was shot down with a quick and concrete declaration.

My goal today is not to define what Christian perfection is or isn’t.  Although, if you need a resource to give you some idea of what I am referring to then read this or this or this.  Now, assuming that you have some idea what we are talking about, consider the response to the question:

“So, is it possible?”

“Nope!”

Let’s dig underneath the definition and the debate to something that came before the answer.  What if the first question was, “If perfection were possible, who would say has achieved it?”  Achieved probably isn’t the right word, but, you know what I mean.  Or, an even more difficult is the question, “If you knew that Christian perfection were possible due to your own personal experience would you feel comfortable saying so?”

As I sat back and listened to the debate I realized that we had already lost.  We were debating the definition of something that noone was prepared to embrace should it be proven accurate.  It was no longer a theological conversation.  It was a psychological one.  Allow me to explain.

There are a series of questions that we have to ask ourselves about ourselves.  These are not public questions but private, intimate and internal conversations we must have.  Here are some examples of those questions:

1. What prejudices are actively effecting my decision making?

2. What pain have I experienced that causes my decision making to be flawed?

3. Are their experiences I have endured that create a bias in my opinion?

4. Is my current emotional condition allowing me to make sound decisions?

To relate these questions directly to the Christian perfection debate I only have to point to the individuals decision making process.  Perhaps we are unwilling to accept Christian perfection as a reality because we are so disappointed and frustrated with our history of failure.  Perhaps the cynicism we foster cripples any ideal goals and diminishes hope to a whimper.

The problem really has nothing to do with Christian perfection.  It has to do with decision making.  The gospel challenges each of us to consider something which is outside our realm of possibility.  At some point we must embrace and celebrate the fact that what was once impossible is now completely possible.

The challenge is this: do not allow your view of the idea determine the accessibility of the idea.  My prejudices, pain, experiences and emotion all play a role in how I think and how I decide.  However, by the power of the Spirit in my life I know that I am not chained to the capabilities of this meager mind.

“…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27