#Recalibrate Your Worldview...by researching an accurate translation of key Scriptural vocabulary

#Recalibrate Your Worldview...by researching an accurate translation of key Scriptural vocabulary

In Overcoming Fear, Dawna De Silva explains the difference between the Greek idea of perfection and the Hebrew idea.

I tend to think like the Greeks: “perfection” means “free of flaws.”

What kind of tree would the Greeks think perfect? A cedar of Lebanon. Something straight, symmetrical, and enormous.

But to the Hebrews, “perfect” means “brought to its end, finished, mature, complete.”

The perfect person is one who is fully developed, full of self-control, working as designed.

To the Hebrews, an olive tree is perfect.

Yes, it’s twisted and asymmetric.

But it produces fruit.

And it goes on producing fruit for an average of 500 years—though some produce fruit for 1,500 years.

As De Silva says: “The Hebrew mindset bases perfection on the subject’s ability to function properly, not on its outward appearance.”

I haven’t ever been sure how to obey Jesus’ instruction: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

But being mature and working as designed seems at least reasonably possible, compared to being free of flaws.

Lord, may we do what you have designed us to do, and may we produce fruit. Thank you, Lord! Amen.

May you stand perfect and complete in all the will of God,

Amy Joy

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