The idea of being “perfect” is a little foreign to us. After all, we can’t achieve it, right? We’ve all heard that perfectionism is a “bad thing.” The problem is that, as humans, we often take the opposite path and don’t even worry about “being the best we can be.”
So what does Jesus mean when He says,
“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 (NASB)
The Greek word, teleios, is translated here as “perfect.” According to Thayer’s Greek Definitions it means,
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
4a) consummate human integrity and virtue
4b) of men
4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature
In order to understand fully what Jesus meant we must then look at the tense of the verb “be”. In this instance, it is in future tense. We might think of it as, “You are becoming perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Becoming perfect is a process. Of utmost importance to realize is that the ability to become perfect only resides in us as the person of the Holy Spirit. It is not something we are capable of on our own. Jesus said, apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5), and that includes being perfect!
Paul makes it clear that it is God’s work in us that will bring us to completion or perfection:
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
So what is our part?
Do our best…
Colossians 3:17 (NASB) Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Surrender to Him…
Romans 12:1 (NASB) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Now, there is a cost. And, as King David said in 2 Samuel 24:24,
“I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.”
What is the cost? Your life!
Matthew 16:24 - 25 (NASB) 24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
SEEK FIRST THE
