“You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
What Jesus said in Matthew 5:48 used to really worry me. How are we expected to be perfect? Doesn't that contradict what we know to be true about ourselves—that we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)? It's easy to get a little anxious about feeling we have to be flawless. But let's take a look at the context to see what He meant here.
The Context of Matthew 5:48
The Greek word for "perfect" here is telios, which means "brought to its end, completed, or perfect." Ah! So what "perfect" means here is being COMPLETE in Christ.
Completion is something that only God can achieve (Philippians 1:6). He made us, saved us, and promises to perfect us in the end. This is often called sanctification, and it's a lifelong process that ends when we're in Heaven. So there's no need to try to be perfect for God.
You don't need to seek the approval of others either. God is the one working with you and through you. He's your loving Father, your guide, and your biggest advocate. And He loves you fully already (Romans 5:8).
“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
No Such Thing as a Perfect Human
Other than Jesus Himself, there's never been a perfect human being.
For us mere mortals, there's zero probability of attaining perfection in this world. ZERO. Our desire for perfection can be like a needy little creature in living in the back of our minds. We try to feed it, but it's never satisfied.
I personally find it freeing that I can't be perfect. There's a freedom in knowing the pressure to be perfect is off. Now the stress, frustration, and discontent of NOT being perfect is no longer a worry.
God Knows We're Not Perfect
“Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'”
The whole point of Jesus coming to save us is because God knew we could never save ourselves. You and I both know that we'll never measure up to the perfect life Jesus lived on this earth. No human being can, because we're born sinners. But that's OK! Sinners need a Savior, and we've got one.
When we choose to believe in salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, God forgives us immediately for all our imperfections, all our sins—past, present, and future (1 John 1:9). With this freedom, the impossible bar of perfection can go away. We can rest in the knowledge that Jesus was and is the Perfect One (Matthew 11:28), and He's standing in our place, vouching for us to the Father.
A Story for the Chronic Perfectionist
Maybe you're someone who's tried and failed to reach perfection. I know I am. The Bible tells a story about two sisters that exemplifies how we ought to sort our priorities (Luke 10:38-42).
Martha was worried about making her house presentable and worthy for Jesus. She was rushing about to make it perfect. But her sister Mary wasn't lifting a finger to help. Imagine her frustrations! Martha was working so hard while Mary just sat there on the floor next to Jesus, listening to Him speak.
When Martha reached maximum fury, she cried to Jesus, "Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." Yet He didn't give her the answer she wanted.
Jesus turned to her and lovingly corrected, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Martha had set her "perfect hostess" bar way too high, then she got upset when she couldn't meet it. Sound familiar? Through this story, Jesus gently reminds us that He has a different standard for us to meet—one where we can find peace and rest with Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
Not Perfect...But Not Lazy Either
Now, just because we don't need to be perfect, that doesn't give us clearance to be lazy. We still have a responsibility to practice the fruit of the Spirit, grow in our faith (2 Peter 3:18), and glorify God with our lives (1 Corinthians 10:31).
We're meant to live our lives with God—not on our own (John 14:26). His is our Comforter and Encourager (John 8:12; John 10:10) and helps us when we're tempted to sin (1 Corinthians 10:13). With those kinds of realities, we can face our failures and wins with the confidence that God is with us.
“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.”