Be Perfect

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 NIV)

At first glance, this simple verse seems to be calling us to be and do the impossible. As a result, we are left feeling confused and discouraged. Does Jesus really mean what we think he is saying here?

In modern English, the word “perfect” means “a status of the highest excellence” or “a product that is completely free from faults or defects”. Unfortunately, however, most Christians today have combine these two definitions of the word “perfect”, and we impose a modern understanding to this verse: “Do not sin”. In reality, Jesus (and Matthew) had a different understanding and intention for the word “‘perfect”. The Greek word in Matthew 5:48 is teleioi, which is translated to mean “complete”, “mature”, “fulfilled”, or “finished”.

The verse is not a command about achievements: having the perfect body or perfect teeth, gaining the perfect score in an exam or competition, or possessing a life free of sin. Those “perfections”, good as they are, are not the full picture. Rather, the verse is a reminder of who we really are and what we were made to be. In other words, we are to be made in full and complete likeness of Christ.

Christian growth is about reshaping all relationships and responsibilities to express the faithfulness and love of God that was made complete in the life and death of Jesus. In spite of this, our anger, insecurities, and complacency keep us from the interactions and services that help us to be made fully Christ-like.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5 NIV)

• What are some ways for you to be more like Christ? Where are the places where you think you can be Christ-like?
• As Christians, we say that God is complete because he is the Trinity. That is, the triune God is whole because it is a community of the Father, Son, and Spirit among each other. How can we, the community of faith, help each other to grow into more like Christ?