“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

It is every woman’s desire – finding that special someone that embodies all the qualities she holds important. Someone who is loving; brings her joy; provides a sense of peace; is longsuffering, gentle, and good; has boldness of faith; is meek and is full of temperance.

Sound familiar? (See Galatians 5:22-23.) Indeed the man whose character encompasses these qualities can bring great security and happiness to her life. He is the “perfect man.”

Our text indicates that the perfect man is not born, but developed. He is built up and established until he has attained “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” So there is a growth process that needs to be experienced before a man can come to a place of perfection. Here we understand that perfection does not indicate flawlessness; only a level of maturity that a person reaches after having had the fruit of the Spirit developed in him.

A word should be added regarding the fact that the “perfect man” model applies to women just as equally as men. In the practical application of principles, the Bible defines a man as someone who does “… not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). The Word of God speaks life (Psalms 119:50; 1 Peter 1:23). So the emphasis of the “perfect man” is on a Born Again child of God (male or female) that has been growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ by applying the Word of God in their life (Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As they so grow, the Holy Spirit produces the fruit that makes them the “perfect man.”

We are all searching for someone perfect. It may be more appropriate if we seek to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). By surrendering our will to God, submitting to Christ as Sovereign, obeying His Commandment of Love, and enduring as a profitable servant; we can come to this position of perfection – to this prepared place of oneness with Christ (John 17:23). We can be a perfect man in Christ, being clothed in His Perfection.