the basic message # E105

Matthew 5:48

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

When Jesus made the statement above, did he really think we could be perfect?  If anyone knew that we’re absolutely, positively incapable of being perfect, it was Jesus Christ.  Why then, would he make this statement?  I believe that Jesus was issuing a challenge to people who claim to be his followers.  Would an example help?

 Matthew 19:21-22

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

 And so, we must assume the young man didn’t heed the call of Jesus Christ.  Would he have been perfect if he had sold his toys and given the money to the poor?   Nope, but he would have certainly proven his desire to enter Heaven.  What if he had followed Christ’s instructions perfectly?  I think he might have been “holy” for a few hours, days or months, but ultimately he would fall.  So if I believe that Jesus calls us to perfection, and I believe that we aren’t capable of perfection, isn’t that somewhat of a contradiction?  No, it just needs some clarification.  If an Olympic coach challenges his athlete to push for perfection, will the athlete achieve it?  No- who can say just how perfect a performance can be?  Records continue to be broken every year, so obviously perfection hasn’t been achieved.   But the important thing is that they give it their best. 

 2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, good-by.   Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace be with you.

 Nicely said.   “Aim for perfection” doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it does say something about those who are seriously pursuing Christ. 

 Here’s the bottom line:   Are you capable of being a better Christian?  Then why aren’t you?  Why are we mistakenly thinking Jesus accepts mediocre performance in a Christian?   Jesus came to take away our sins, but isn’t he deserving of our best efforts?  By the time we give our best to the boss, to our family and to our hobbies, there’s not much left for Jesus.  The Master had something to say about that too:

 Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be give to you as well.”

 How can you go wrong?  Give God your finest efforts and devotion and he’ll give you all of the other things too.  Oh, you don’t really believe that?  Then you have much bigger problems than I originally thought. 

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