I found a new nightly blessing for my children. In
II Corinthians 13:11 Paul is giving the Corinthians
a benediction. He gives them several instructions. One
of those instructions is only a two word sentence. It is
tremendously focused and terse. It rather sums up
his whole ministry to them. And it sums up what I
want for my children.

Become complete.

Paul is saying, "Okay, you've made a start, but don't
rest on your laurels yet. Keep going. You still have
a long way to go; you still have a lot to learn."

Questions pop around in my head like popcorn over
these two words. Complete in what way? How does
one become complete? When is one finally complete?

Complete in what way?
Knowlege of God (both theological and personal)
Development of character
Desire to serve Him as Lord totally

How does one become complete?
Study of the Scriptures
Prayer

When is one finally complete?
When we get to our true home.

II Peter 1:5-8 adds depth to this.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence,
add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,
to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance,
to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness,
and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are
yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

That's what I want for my children. It is more than
just a sweet little prayer for them. I want them to have
faith...virtue...knowledge...self-control...perseverance...
godliness...brotherly kindness...love.

Then they will be complete in Christ.

So tonight when I creep into their rooms to say goodnight,
I'll add these two words.

Become complete.