Matthew 5:48 (KJV)
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Jesus boldly begins His sermon on the Mount by proclaiming blessings on those often overlooked, showcasing the depth of His compassion. He firmly asserts that His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, underlining the vital importance of their good deeds. He then confidently addresses the law, clarifying that His standard goes beyond mere adherence to its letter, setting a higher bar for His followers to be perfect. Our anchored Scripture is a call to strive for spiritual and moral excellence, mirroring the perfection of God. We are called to be absolutely perfect, matching the perfection of our heavenly Father. Every aspect of our being should align with God’s ways, including our deepest thoughts. Jesus’ command for us to be perfect can seem daunting. However, it’s essential to understand that this perfection isn’t about never making mistakes but striving to live a life of complete love and integrity. It’s about growing in character and becoming more like God, who is love. Our lives should exhibit God’s righteousness and holiness due to our identity as His people. Christ’s standard becomes a way of life as we obey His teachings. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we find the strength to love our enemies, uphold our relationships, overcome lust and hatred, and follow the other commandments of God.
The secret to ending well in life is by living a perfect life. Perfection is total obedience to God’s instructions in faith, even if it seems illogical or politically incorrect. Obedience in faith brings justification, which is the key to perfection. When we live a perfect life before God, Divine Blessings are made available to us, and Heaven assists the blameless by sending what they need in due season. As we acknowledge God’s perfect abilities, we are responsible for pursuing perfection in all our endeavors with precision and excellence. In this lifetime, we will always be works in progress. Nothing is impossible for anyone who lives a life of holiness and purity because the Almighty God has proved Himself beyond any reasonable doubt. There are many misconceptions about God’s demand for perfection, which has led many people to conclude that perfection is unrealistic in the Christian walk. Deuteronomy 18:13 says, “Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.” We must be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. As believers, our devotion to the Almighty requires a faithful observance of His divine precepts, decrees, and regulations. We are called to embrace a higher level of spiritual excellence that transcends the ordinary and seek the redemptive model established by our Heavenly Father. We are to strive towards perfection until we meet with Jesus Christ face-to-face.
Beloved, this perfection is available if you can believe God for it and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In Christ, spiritual growth does not end because He is never-ending. So, be ready to go further with God until you reach His perfection when you no longer see yourself, but it becomes all about Him. Today, renew your relationship with the Lord and let holiness become your watchword. Endeavor to please Him in all your ways by living a perfect life! Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Strive towards perfection as a Christian and aspire to reach where God wants you to be. Never stop or rest until you have fought a good fight of faith. Decide to walk with God completely by allowing His Word to order your steps in life. God wants to do some things in your life that will cause the ears of people around you to have goosebumps, but you must be ready to walk before God in purity and perfection. Be more loving, more forgiving, and more like God. Begin to walk blameless before Him from today, and He will use you for His Glory and promote you beyond your expectations. Remember, this journey is continually growing closer to God and embodying His love in your daily actions.
O LORD, grant me the grace to live a perfect life in Jesus’ Name.