WELL, NOBODY’S PERFECT

How many times have we heard or used the expression, ‘Well, nobody’s perfect?’ And, rightfully so, because nobody is. Then along comes Jesus and pops this on us, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

The word used in this verse means a sense of maturity, completeness, or attaining a goal. In this context, the goal is to pursue God’s standard, not simply settle for human moralism. A serious follower of Christ desires to become more mature as we study, meditate, journal, learn what giving is, practice being in the Lord’s presence, and prayer…and above all want to know the Father more.

Trying to be perfect can be a good place to hide… but so is being imperfect. The busyness and the trying so hard for perfection is like a self-justified, and possibly unrecognized hiding. It is little different than not giving full effort by using…’well, nobody’s perfect’ as another form of hiding or excuse making. Giving our best is reality. Desiring to please the Father is maturity. We please the Father by relying on the righteousness of Jesus to form us, not our own righteousness.

““Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). Maturing is much more by the Spirit than by good ideas and a strong will… though they both help.

“So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus