Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. - Matthew 5:48
Perfect — is it really possible to be perfect?
Of the many chapters in the Bible that sets a precedence for holy living, Matthew chapter 5, and chapters 6 and 7, definitely stands out! In fact, I imagine that every time we read through it, we do quite a bit of wrestling.
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them… (Matthew 5:1-2)
Jesus sat with His disciples and began to set the expectation of what it would look like to follow Him. Beginning with the Beatitudes, He then expounded on the law of Moses — not following it to achieve salvation but following it to live out Christlikeness. I’ve summarized some of those expectations below:
Blessed are you when you’re persecuted for righteousness’ sake, rejoice for great is your reward in heaven.
You are the salt of the earth, remain pure.
You are the light of the world, do not hide your light.
Whoever is angry with his brother is in danger of judgment.
Whoever calls his brother a “fool” is in danger of hell fire.
If a man looks at a woman in lust, he has committed adultery in his heart and is in danger having the whole body cast into hell.
Whoever divorces for anything other than sexual immorality, commits adultery.
Do not swear falsely, nor swear by heaven, or the earth, nor Jerusalem.
Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No.
Resist an evil person. Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other.
Love your enemies. Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
And this is just chapter 5! It continues in chapters 6 and 7. Then, chapter 5 closes with…Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. - Matthew 5:48.
Perfect — are we really expected to be perfect?
Joshua: Sincerity and Being Perfect
The last two chapters of the book of Joshua capture his farewell messages to Israel. Now advanced in years and nearing the end of his life, he delivers a powerful final address, urging the people to remain faithful to God and warning them of the dangers of complacency and idolatry. As the book concludes, he says: Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and truth… (Joshua 24:14).
That word “sincerity” has a very interesting meaning in Hebrew. It’s the word tamiym (taw-meem), i.e., “complete,” “whole”, “perfect,” “blameless,” or “without blemish," before the Lord. Joshua underscored the importance of offering one's best to God. Being "tamiym" was associated with living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's commandments — daily — so daily it was a process of one being “brought to a successful completion.”
That same exhortation is still required of believers in Christ Jesus today. Jesus expects us to be perfect — just as your Father in heaven is perfect — and if He expects that of us, then it must be attainable.
To be perfect is very similar to sincerity. It means to be “complete in all parts,” “mature,” “end,” and have “completeness of Christian character.” It indicates a state of being fully developed in character and faith. Therefore, our consummated goal as believers is very similar to the goal Joshua set forth with the Israelites. It’s to mature in our faith — daily — so that we are offering our best to God. And how do we do this? The same way those who came before us did, by following Him. It’s living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God's commandments — even the commandments set forth in Matthew.
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. — 1 Timothy 4:15
God Bless You,
Carole