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The First Step Up: Cultivating Christian Excellence
The concept of Christian perfection, often understood as a profound spiritual maturity and a life deeply devoted to God, is a significant theme in Christian thought. Jesus' command, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48), is often interpreted not as a demand for unattainable sinlessness, but as a practical goal of conforming to God's character, particularly in one's attitudes and relationships. As one theological perspective explains, this perfection is about "a practical goal of conformity to God's character, particularly in our attitudes and relationships." Derek Prince, in his teachings on "Progress to Perfection," identifies goodness, or excellence, as a crucial initial step after establishing the foundation of faith.
Defining "Goodness" or "Excellence" in a Christian Context
When the Apostle Peter encourages believers to "add to your faith goodness" (2 Peter 1:5), he employs the Greek word aretē. This term encompasses more than mere moral uprightness; it signifies "to do well whatever you do." For example, the aretē or excellence of a horse is its ability to run swiftly. It speaks to efficiency and the proper execution of tasks. This understanding extends beyond purely religious piety to a general excellence in all aspects of life. It implies that one's faith should actively influence daily work and responsibilities, leading to visible, positive outcomes. As the Epistle of James states, "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). Thus, Peter's encouragement can be understood as an urging for believers to demonstrate their faith through excellence, thereby showing others that their belief in Christ yields tangible and worthwhile results.
The Primacy of Excellence After Faith
Derek Prince illustrates the significance of excellence with practical examples:
- The Teacher: A teacher who becomes a Christian should, through God's help, prayer, and wisdom, strive to be "at least twice as good a teacher" than they were before. Becoming a Christian, in this view, should elevate standards, not diminish them.
- The Homemaker: A Christian homemaker is encouraged to excel in managing their home, preparing meals, and caring for their family. This practical excellence can serve as a powerful testimony, particularly to an unbelieving spouse, demonstrating the reality of their faith.
- The Young Person: For a young person embracing faith, a primary test of their newfound belief can be observed in their relationship with their parents, emphasizing obedience, courtesy, and the cheerful and efficient completion of duties. Such conduct honors parents and can be instrumental in leading them to faith.
The central idea is that faith, serving as the foundational element, must manifest itself through love and tangible actions. This observable excellence in one's daily calling or vocation clarifies to the world that one's faith is authentic and productive.
Connecting to the Broader Journey of Christian Perfection
This initial step of goodness or excellence is an integral component of the Wesleyan-holiness tradition's understanding of Christian perfection, also referred to as entire sanctification. While this doctrine posits that a believer's heart can be purified from all sin after conversion and prior to death, it does not imply freedom from mistakes, ignorance, or temptation. Rather, it signifies being "perfect in love" for God and one's neighbor.
John Wesley emphasized that this "perfect love" entails an undivided heart in its affection for God, or loving nothing that conflicts with that love. This state involves being "cleansed from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit" and being "endued with those virtues which were in Christ Jesus" (2 Corinthians 7:1; cf. Colossians 3:12). Consequently, beginning with excellence in everyday life, propelled by faith, is understood to prepare the heart for a deeper work of grace. It is about demonstrating a "predominant tendency toward righteousness" as one progressively grows in grace throughout their life.
Key Takeaways
Faith is considered the foundational element upon which Christian growth is built. "Goodness," or excellence, understood as performing all tasks well, is presented as the immediate and essential step following faith. This excellence is not merely internal but is intended to be outwardly visible in all aspects of a believer's life, from professional duties to familial responsibilities. This practical demonstration of faith serves as a testimony to others regarding its transformative power. The cultivation of excellence is viewed as an initial and crucial stage in the broader journey towards Christian perfection, which, in some theological traditions, is understood as an undivided heart of love for God and neighbor.
