YOU’RE NOT PERFECT (BUT JESUS IS)

MATTHEW 5
Take 5 minutes to read Matthew 5. Ask Jesus to remind you what the kingdom of heaven is like and ask Him to give you opportunity to arise, shine, and help build His kingdom.

Sister, if you have ever fallen for the lie that you have to be perfect to follow Jesus, I’m here to tell you, you are released from that obligation. Say it with me (out loud), “I’m not perfect, but Jesus is.” Some of you may need to say that one or two more times. “But Marla, what about Matthew 5:48 that says ‘Be perfect therefore as your heavenly father is perfect.” Well, I’m glad you asked, and we’ll talk about that in a moment. For now, I want you to remember something: Our perfect God uses imperfect people to bring about His perfect will, and you can be a part of it, imperfections and all.

Consider Jesus’ family tree: Judah conspired to sell his brother into slavery and was a major hypocrite, Rahab was a prostitute, King David was an adulterer and murderer, Manassah was considered the most wicked King in Judah and it doesn’t stop there! Look at Jesus’ friends and followers: Simon Peter denied Jesus 3 times and stuck his foot in his mouth more than once, Matthew a tax collector, Mary Magdalene a demoniac, Saul self proclaimed "chief among sinners.” These are not the type of people you’d remotely call perfect in our sense of the word. Yet, God uses the most hideous acts of humankind to bring forth his good will. His gospel has not stopped going forth and will not stop until His purpose is complete. And that is what being perfect is in the biblical sense–to complete one’s purpose.

Teleios, the Greek word we translate as “perfect,” has a much richer meaning than mere perfection itself: it means to be fully grown; to fulfill one's purpose or to achieve the goals for which something was made. So, how does one achieve their purpose or goals? By arising. By persevering and shining when it gets hard. Sometimes even by failing and getting back up. To be “teleios” as the Lord is “teleios” requires us to move past our comfort zones, trust that God uses our humanness for His good, and by saying “yes” even when we don’t have all the information.

Sister, remember that Jesus knows our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15, John 2:24-25), he is not shocked nor offended by them. Your and my imperfection does not discount us from being His daughter and partner. You were made to love Him and love others so we can arise, shine, and build His Kingdom here on earth. Say it out loud once more for the journey ahead:

“I am not perfect, but Jesus is.”