Mark the Perfect Man

Revelation Recess

Several months ago, I wrote this for the ladies in our "Strength & Beauty" Sunday School Class. For the sake of a break in Revelation, I would like to share this with you.

We will continue in Revelations tomorrow.

“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.” (Psalm 37:37)

Several weeks ago, as part of my scheduled Bible reading with our son Caleb, this particular verse gave way to a further study of whom I “mark,” and who has “influence” in my life.

Firstly, I thought of “Divine Perfection”. What man has that durable and unchanging perfection standard which I should resolve myself to attain? To whom would I feel safe enough with and to whom would I trust my whole life? What Rock could I cling to, when the storms of life hit hard, and the shadows of trials make it an exercise to find more light? Who is that constant for me? “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

I have high standards for every area in my life. To excel in everything I do, is a mark that my family knows me by, and a legacy my girls often speak of. But the problem with my standard of “excellence,” is that, for the most part, it is self-driven. When I Christ-center my goals, my standards of excellence magnify Him. This is an area that I constantly work on and an area that will always either defeat me, or entreat me to the cross.

When I think of a perfect man, I think of one who is far removed from wickedness, and the antithesis of what the world has to offer; I think of a perfect man as one who always speaks the truth, is always faithful, strives for stability in his life, and as one who has procedures for all the important areas in his comings and goings. Whether he has been exalted to prosperity or plunged into the depths of affliction, a steadfast testimony is for me, the mark of a perfect man.

I’m going to praise my husband here for a bit. In the years that I have been married to him, there have been countless precious memories. He is the “Master of Moments.” And, since our arrival in America three and a half years ago, for the most part, our lives have been trial-filled.

When you take a huge leap of faith, the darts of Satan are thrown from every angle.
My husband typifies “a perfect man,” and he continually demonstrates stability, stay-ability, and sweet-ability. He is very “Christ-like;” out there in the work-place, and behind the four walls of our home, he’s a great Daddy and an even greater Husband. He has and continues to draw admiration from me. I have never heard him say a critical or unkind word about anyone – not one!

That brings me to what I believe is the precursor or the pioneer behind “a perfect man.” My husband stands as a man who is in possession of this quality, and it continues to linger in my heart, and in our home - every day! By God’s grace, I have a father with the same qualities. God has been so good to me; He gave me a non-critical foundation through my father, and now a non-critical environment at home through my husband. I feel so incredibly loved!

Control of the Tongue
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:2)

This image shows me that, if a man can control his tongue, he is more likely to have complete dominion over himself. I moderate and restrain my conversation all the time. I press the “pause” button often before I respond to various issues. So many times in the past, I have given expression to my thoughts and passions, and have regretted either “saying too much,” or “throwing my pearls before swine.” I strive to be sincere in heart, in my speech, and in my behavior.

As a woman (and no thanks to Eve), I can make this statement, without any doubt whatsoever; that, “The greatest propensity to help or hinder, lies at the lips of a woman." The tongue IS a woman’s greatest threat. When my tongue is uncontrolled, it proves my hollowness, and reveals my falseness. I am growingly aware of the power of my words, and what drives them.

I love to be encouraged and I have learned to be the encourager. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” (Proverbs 14:1) How do I build my house? I build it by the encouraging words I say, by my attitude, and how I bring daily encouragement in its various forms, especially to my husband. I build my home by my encouraging thoughts, encouraging activities, creating an encouraging atmosphere (a clean and clear home), and I build it by good old fashioned home-cooked meals. That’s the icing on the cake of encouragement for a man! Nothing brings me more joy than to sit down in the evening with my family, the smell of home-cooking floating through my kitchen, and the sweet sounds of chomping teeth, as my family take a “spoon full of encouragement.”

It’s the simple things in life that are often the best, and as a woman, I have learned to keep it simple. That alone encourages my own heart, for its obtainable not just to me – but for us all!

I love you!
Deborah Choma