If I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing...(1 Cor. 13:2b)

"AIM FOR PERFECTION"  (2 Cor. 13:11 )

The NIV 2 Corinthians 13:11 as "Aim for perfection". The Greek word here is katartizo. However, that is the exact same word the NIV translates as "preparing" in Matthew 4:21 where Jesus found James and John "preparing their nets." The ESV and NAS translate it "mending" their nets. In the Matthew 5:48 passage where Jesus calls us to be "perfect".

Look at the Greek word "katartizo" translated "perfection" in 2 Corinthians 13:11 ("Aim for perfection", NIV). A lexicon defines that word as "to render fit". That means to "make functional". James and John were making their nets "functional" so that they might be able to catch fish. That doesn't mean they were making them "precisely exact". I doubt that every knot was "precise" or "exact". No one can really define a knot that is "precisely exact". When I tie my shoe, I want to make it "functional" or make it the way it was intended, to restore. . When I do, it is "perfect" from this translation perspective. I can tie my shoe, smile and say "perfect" and go on about my business.

Now, if someone comes along and looks at my shoe laces and says, those shoes laces are not tied with "exactly precise" loops, then I can smile at them and say, "No, you're right. They are merely perfect".

Look at how this can make a difference in our understanding of the Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, we read the following from the NIV:

I have found five thoughts in the New Testament that will help us to take aim at the right targets. 1 Corinthians 9:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.

• In your Christian walk, don't run aimlessly. We need to Take aim at the right targets!
• Many Christians live reactively. They are content to react, to respond, to life around them. Wise Christians live proactively. They take the initiative, rather than adopting a passive attitude, in their Christian walk.
• The victorious Christian has purpose; he has objectives. And he stays focused on those purposes and objectives. He is careful to take aim at the right targets.
• Take aim at some things in your Christian life. And be sure to take aim at meaningful targets. Set desirable, biblical goals, and deliberately structure your lives to press towards those goals.

Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

• This is the origin of our proverbial expression in English - "the straight and narrow."
• The broad way appeals to many ... and ends in destruction!
• The narrow way does not appeal to the flesh as much. But it is God's way, and it leads to life eternal!
• You have to choose the narrow way. It seems less appealing. The broad way seems better:
• "Sin is fun!" people declare.
• Indulging my cravings is enjoyable.
• More relaxed standards are easier to live up to.
• But remember what's at the end of that broad way - destruction for the many!
• (1) So aim for the narrow road that leads to life.

2 Corinthians 5:8-10 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...

• (2) Aim to please God in all that you do.
• Jesus said, "I always do what pleases Him" (John 8:29).
• This is an excellent standard for Christians to use in making decisions in their lives, conduct, thoughts, etc. Ask yourself: Will this please the Lord?

Acts 24:15-16 And I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

• There will be a resurrection, and we will face the Lord.
• (3) So aim now for a clear conscience before God and man.
• We were taught a good thing in my early years in Roman Catholicism - that is, to "examine our conscience."
• How is your conscience before God? before man?
• Take aim for a clear conscience. As Paul said, "Strive always" for a clear conscience. Target it; make it your objective and unrelenting desire.

1 Corinthians 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

• (4) Aim to be men and women who love the church.
• Jesus said He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18). Jesus loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). Paul prayed: "To Him [to God] be glory in the church..." (Ephesians 3:21).
• Aim to use your talents, gifts, and ministries to build up Jesus' beloved Church.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection...

• Why do modern Christians have such a hard time with this? Why is it so easy to offer the blameshifting excuse: "Well, nobody's perfect."
• (5) "Aim for perfection!" - that's the Word of God!
• One day in the Lord's presence we will become "the spirits of righteous men made perfect" (Hebrews 12:23).
• But here and now, in this life, Paul says (2 Corinthians 13:9), "our prayer is for your perfection."