Wholeness is a condition that we, as Christians, strive to reach during our walk with Christ. But prior to reaching wholeness, we must first know what it means to be whole. How do we define it? Merriam-Webster dictionary defines being whole as “being complete or full: not lacking or leaving out any part; physically sound and healthy, and mentally or emotionally sound.” Essentially, it is an optimal state of being – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a state that we all want to obtain, and maintain once we have arrived. However, the question is, how do we get there? How do we know when we’ve reached our desired destination of wholeness? Most importantly, what does God’s Word reveal to us about what it means to be whole?
Because of Adam’s original sin in the Garden of Eden, our once perfectly designed being is subject to sin and imperfection. Once born into the world, we have had many adverse effects to our physical, mental and spiritual well-being, which was not God’s original plan for us. However, His immense love for us prompted Him to save us from condemnation, and he offered us salvation and restoration through His son Christ Jesus. What a great God we serve!
We know that since Jesus Christ redeemed us through His sacrifice, we are offered the
opportunity to achieve wholeness. So, again, how do we get there? In Romans 12:2, Paul
admonishes us to “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Would you agree that if we are in the good, pleasing and perfect will of God, then we have achieved our desired state of wholeness? So, the key to achieving wholeness begins with the transformation of the mind.
Transformation involves going through several stages of growth, change and development. There has to be a maximizing, or “completion” of a stage prior to moving on to the next phase. When the life cycle begins, there is a fertilization, or awakening of a new embryo, or fertilized egg. The mother is the lifeline for the developing fetus, and it will not survive outside of the womb in the early stages. The womb is the perfect incubator to protect, nurture, and develop a growing fetus.
Likewise, in our journey to wholeness, we answer the call from our heavenly Father, and our spirits are fertilized, or “awakened” by His wonderful presence. This is the first step of the
transformation of our mind. His protection, guidance and perfect love nurtures us, and allows us to grow and change in our various stages of development. We then choose to become “born again,” and begin to fully embrace our walk with Christ. With each step, we know that our Lord is with us. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). The rod provides correction when needed, and the staff outlines the direction that we should go, because He only desires what is best for us. What a true manifestation of love!
So, in our journey towards wholeness, let us reflect on the scriptures, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
