Becoming Perfect

Matthew 5 is an account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  It brings understanding of how the law must be interpreted by truth; performance under the light of love.  This is a re-establishing of God’s covenant with us, just as Moses did many years before from another mountain and through another message.  This chapter is an expression of Jesus’ heart; His desire for our well being, and how we should relate with each other and with Him.  The conclusion of this chapter seems to raise difficulty for some.  I was once asked by someone in the Lifegroup I lead what it means to “be perfect” as in Matthew 5:48.  “How can anyone be perfect, and if I am not, am I failing?”  I understand the discouragement one may experience when faced with this very lofty demand.  Truth is, there should not be any condemnation from this verse, or from any part of the message.  The verse must be read in context.  It is spoken by a loving God.  His message is not about performance, it is about hope.

Misinterpreting the process of perfection can turn into a lifelong battle of personal performance.  In order to achieve perfection one has to have a standard.  If the standard is based on comparison against others, actually accomplishing perfection would be like trying to grasp the wind in your hands or attempting to reach the horizon.  This way of measuring perfection can only lead to broken relationships, disappointment, anger, and isolation.  The reason being, pride is the fuel of this drive.  Imagine how anyone would feel trying to please someone perceived as a perfectionist.  How could a relationship exist if someone is dictating impossible achievements?

There is only One who is perfect.   He sets the standards for perfection.  On our own efforts and merits, perfection can never be met.  His work and merit gives opportunity of hope towards perfection.  Those who abide in Him have such hope. By humility we acknowledge Him and His work.  He can proclaim who is perfect.

Proclaiming has a distinctly different power than dictating.  Proclaiming lifts a spirit, dictating chains it up.  I encourage anyone to consider this in reading Matthew 5:48

“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

This chapter is a revelation of Jesus’ fulfillment, or in other words, bringing into completion, of God’s love.  By the power of His Holy Spirit, which He sent as our paraclete, our advocate, our intercessor towards God Himself, we can now be complete as we abide in His words.   Here in Matthew 5, His words teach us on right relationship with each other and with Him.  Living this out with the help of His Spirit, imperfect people have the hope of being seen perfect in the eyes of God.  By the authority and power of Jesus, and the indwelling of The Holy Spirit, Jesus is making a proclamation that His disciples shall become perfect as His Father.
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These segments are part of the “Little Big Steps” series.  Read about it here.