Perfection

Perfection

 

 

It’s something we all desire.  It’s something many seek.  It’s something unattainable as a result of our fallen nature. The world is teaching “nobody’s perfect,” and “just accept people the way they are,” but since when is it okay to disregard our morality and replace it with acceptance?  You see, that’s where the world separates from the Christian faith.  This may come as a surprise to some, but interestingly enough, Christ actually asks us, as Christ-followers, to be perfect.  In Matthew 5:48 Jesus states, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.” The first time I read these words, quite frankly, I was confused.  Jesus is asking of us something beyond our own capability.  He was well aware of the fact that we are all born into sin, yet He boldly instructed us to “be perfect.”  Why would God ask us to do something; to be something we cannot possibly attain? 

The truth: God is perfect.

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless Psalm 18:30

Although this point is basic, it is essential to remember when we analyze Matthew 5:48.  If Christ was the only perfect one, Jesus was essentially calling us to do everything we can to live our lives as He did.  The word Christian is literally defined as, “one who lives according to the teachings of Jesus.”  If Jesus was and is perfect and it is our calling to be like Him, we are essentially living our lives in pursuit of perfection.

The truth: Working towards perfection can be a healthy thing.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

To make myself clear, I am not suggesting perfectionism; which is the very unhealthy tendency of nitpicking every minor detail. Rather, a pursuit of perfection. It is necessary that we constantly seek to be like the only man ever to be perfect; Christ.  God has asked us to seek this goal, and by doing so we will grow spiritually, become more Christ-like, and increase our impact on others.

The truth: God works amidst our imperfections.

If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us 2 John 4:12

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

As stated earlier, God knows we can’t be perfect.  He absolutely wants us to strive for perfection, but He is able to do incredible things despite the areas where we fall short. I love the verses listed above because it gives me hope.  When I try my very best to follow Christ and still fall short, God will perfect the inadequate parts of me.

In essence, following Christ is a constant pursuit of perfection; and what better person to lead than the one and only Perfect One! Sure, we may fall short sometimes, but nonetheless it is necessary that we continue this pursuit.  When we become comfortable and complacent with our imperfections, we begin to lose sight of the goal.  As contradictory as it may seem to mankind, we are in fact expected to strive for perfection.  It is this pursuit which will propel us from a lukewarm Christian to one which truly models what Christ has represented all along.

Until next time,

-Tamara