And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NKJV)
Perfection: 1: the quality or state of being perfect: such as a: freedom from fault or defect : FLAWLESSNESS b: maturity c: the quality or state of being saintly 2a: an exemplification of supreme excellence b: an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence 3: the act or process of perfecting
Progress: 1a(1): a royal journey marked by pomp and pageant (2): a state procession b: a tour or circuit made by an official (such as a judge) c: an expedition, journey, or march through a region 2: a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : ADVANCE 3: gradual betterment especially : the progressive development of humankind
In this passage, we see something happening in The Body of Christ. They are: 1. Listening and learning from the Apostles 2. Fellowshipping 3. Praying for others. 4. Believing together 5. Taking care of others needs, as they are able 6. Staying together for encouragement 7. Praising God 8. Having favor with others or being people who are approachable.
Because of these things, The Lord added to their number daily.
This should be something that reminds us the importance of being involved with a Fellowship of people. We need to be around those who will encourage us. It is in this that we learn to grow. This is where we progress towards Perfection/Holiness.
A problem we see that is common amongst many is that once they hear we are Christian, they expect or think we are perfect. We need to keep in mind that there is only one that is Perfect, that walked amongst us, Jesus. This is why, we should seek Him in our private times as well as corporately together.
The fact we are not perfect is not an excuse for us to sin. However, it is something for us to desire to seek His Help to strife towards righteousness. We need to seek Help from Him to learn what is right in God’s eyes.
We also need to remember that we need to give grace to others, just as God showed us grace. We cannot go in and condemn others, just because they are not doing things right. We are, however, to go and encourage others to do what is right, through using His Word and by example. We should not brow beat each other because we all are fallen in nature. Remember, it is said that we all fall short.
Let’s be those that help each other to grow together and encourage each other to do what is right and be willing to be corrected as needed.
Let the Lord lead for it is his plan