Homework Done

Complete means to finish or accomplish a task. For example, “Did you complete your homework?” is asking if all of the homework is done. It means “having no deficiency, wanting no part or element; perfect in kind or quality; finished, ended, concluded.” SOURCE: ETYMONLINE

Lacking Nothing is Being Complete

Complete can also mean no lack, shortage, or deficiency. A complete person who can navigate life well, has understanding about the origin and purpose of his or her life. King Solomon wisely said, “Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead.” Proverbs 15:21 Given the reality that we all lack understanding and wisdom, God offers it to us. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

How to be Complete

We are all incomplete. It is possible to finish the homework.

You cannot really come to a state of being complete if you lack the foundation. Foundations matter when building skyscrapers and when building lives. The apostle Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How to Identify a Follower of Jesus

A follower of Jesus recognizes that they are incomplete. They are a work in process. That means others may notice the gaps, the blemishes, the missing pieces. It means an incomplete disciple listens to rebukes and realizes the right response can lead to completeness. Proverbs 13:1 “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” Proverbs 17:10 “A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.”

Five Minute Friday

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.

All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.