Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. — Matthew 5:48
Perfection. Many are quick to say “nobody’s perfect” or “I’m not perfect”, but this testimony is self-incriminating.
How do we know? How can we say such a thing. Consider the short list of scriptures on the subject:
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(Genesis 6:9) These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
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(Genesis 17:1) And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
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(2 Samuel 22:33) God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
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(1 Kings 8:61) Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.”
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(2 Chronicles 16:9) For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
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(1 Chronicles 28:9) And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
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(Job 1:8) And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
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(Psalm 37:37) Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
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(Psalm 101:6) Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
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(Proverbs 11:5) The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
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(Matthew 5:48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
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(Matthew 19:21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
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(Luke 6:40) The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
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(1 Corinthians 2:6) Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought….
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(2 Corinthians 7:1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
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(2 Corinthians 13:11) Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
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(Philippians 3:14-15) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
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(1 Peter 5:10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
It’s pretty obvious (at least it should be). Perfection is a reality. The true children of God are called to it and will respond in kind to that call. It’s an absolute requirement. Job was perfect. Noah was perfect. Abraham was perfect. David was perfect (look at his whole body of lifestyle, not just the Bathsheba/Uriah situation or the numbering of the people). As Jesus said, if ye were of Abraham, the works of Abraham would ye do.
The people were commanded to be perfect under the law (which was a shadow of things to come). When that which was to come finally came, the commandment remained the same, as Jesus commanded us to be perfect. Paul said that if we’re not perfect, God will reveal it unto us. Paul said on another occasion that he hoped for our perfection. On yet another occasion, he said that we are to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Paul also said that the purpose of real ministry is to foster perfection (therefore, fake ministry does the opposite). Peter said that after we’ve suffered a while, the Lord would make us perfect. John said that we become perfected in love when we keep God’s word.
Again, being perfect is a reality. It’s about being compliant. It’s about being renewed. It’s about making adjustments. It’s about what one aims at. It’s about maturity.
Are you willing to pursue the will of God concerning this matter or are you just making excuses (saying “nobody’s perfect” or “I’m not perfect) and walking in unbelief like many are today? Remember, Luke 13:23-24 says “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” MANY SHALL NOT BE ABLE.
And one of the major DISQUALIFIERS involves a refusal to strive to be perfect in Him.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
Until next time, keep the word and be blessed!
