It was 30 years ago, in a Hollywood ‘blockbuster’ movie starring Tom Cruise, that the character Jerry Maguire uttered those immortal words, “I love you. You complete me!”
The apostle Paul, in his second letter to the church in Corinth reminds them: “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified…Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (II Cor. 13:5, 11).
Believers were to examine, or test the quality of their faith in order to determine the level of their own spirituality. Had they grown in their faith to the point of being “complete in Him” (Col. 2:10), “…that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12).
While the quote from the movie was rooted in the basic human emotion of love, the Biblical model of ‘completeness’ is more deeply rooted in the tested quality of faith that arises from the heart filled with the “knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10; II Pet. 1:2).
For believers to reach the desired ‘completeness’ in Christ requires the intimate desire and hunger for righteousness (Matt. 5:6) that is identified in the prayer of Jesus for His disciples: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
While the movie from 1996 elevates the concept of ‘completeness’ in having love, passion, and desire within human relationship, unfortunately the evidence confirms that it is often lost somewhere along with way. The momentary sense of passion decreases to the level of feeling comfortable with each other, neglectful in expressing thoughts and actions that are consistent with the once profound expression of love and devotion.
May believers never become satisfied with anything less than having the promised ‘completeness’ in every area of life each day! –Larry Siegle