We are human and prone to mistakes, misunderstandings,
and other influences towards our fallen nature that keep us from being
absolutely perfect. There are those times where we may find exceptional
achievement, but most times we fall short in some way.
Perfection, however, is not an illusion. It is something
that we can strive for in our spiritual lives. Jesus challenges a rich man with
such a goal. Matthew 19:21, “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.’”
Why would Jesus give this man what appears to be a nearly
impossible task? It would seem impossible if we didn’t understand the word “perfect.” The word is not implying
that we should be continually living without fault. This form of perfection
relates to love.
Jesus is literally addressing the unconditional love of
agape. In other words, Jesus is saying that we must strive to love as God does
which includes expressing such love through radical forgiveness and unselfish
giving. He is asking for undivided loyalty and full-hearted obedience. Radical
discipleship.
What does that form
of perfection look like? Jesus gave us the answer earlier in Matthew 5:43-48, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and
hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those
who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of
your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good,
and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those
who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do
that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you
different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven
is perfect.’”
We are to strive for perfection in our love of neighbor.
What is unique in that is we do not get to determine who those neighbors get to
be. It applies to all people. We are not allowed to pick and choose who we’ll
love. Again, we love as God loves.
The word Matthew uses for “perfect” is the Greek word “teleios”
which means “mature” or “full grown.” We must grow in our faith. We must become
mature believers. In our Methodist tradition, we call this “going on towards perfection” or “sanctification” where we surrender to God in faith and die to self
so that we can be conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy
Spirit within us.
Jesus was challenging the rich man not because he was
rich. Jesus challenged him with having a divided mind. He had a cerebral faith,
but not a heart-faith. He knew all about it, but didn’t live it. Yes, he obeyed
the laws, but not out of a loving heart. Jesus sets the standard of undivided
loyalty and full-hearted obedience. Radical discipleship.
When pursuing a life of perfection, we must learn to
reconcile each day with questions such as “what
was more important to me than God, today?” “Why was I willing to compromise
obedience for convenience?” “Who didn’t I love unconditionally?” These aren’t
all the questions, but I think you get the point.
We cannot follow Jesus from a distance or when we have
time or feel it is to our benefit. His commands are not suggestions. Jesus is not asking us to “pencil him in”
our schedule. He is asking us to be our full schedule and to center our life on
him.
Work on being perfect. Love unconditionally. Live out
your faith. Grow and deepen your faith. Follow Jesus. Be like Jesus. Especially
to those who are your enemies or persecuting you…to the ones who hate you and
are despitefully using you. Love is true perfection.