“You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 (AMP)

While growing up as a young believer, Matthew 5:48 has always been a verse of the Bible that challenged me. I have always asked the question of how I can be perfect like my Father in heaven. Then, I used to think being perfect means obeying all the laws in the Scripture, that is, depending on my ability to follow to the letter all of God’s principles with little or no cognizance given to the Grace of God.

Is it possible to be perfect and without any sin like Christ? No. But does that mean the sacrifice of Christ is not enough to make us into who God wants us to be? No. Christ died for the sinner and every sinner who accepts this sacrifice and believes in Jesus will be saved, justified, and sanctified but that doesn’t change such person from being human. What this sacrifice does is that it changes man’s nature of sin into that of righteousness, killing the willingness to sin even if he sins at one time or the other.

What Christ means here is that every disciple of His must keep growing in order to become more and more like Him. Growth as a disciple is a daily thing. It doesn’t happen just once in a lifetime. No matter how dramatic and spectacular the salvation experience of a man is, if he doesn’t desire to grow, he will be as though he was never saved.

1Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation.” According to this verse, one of the most important ways to grow is by desiring the sincere milk of God’s Word. No disciple of Christ neglects His Word and expects to become like Him.

So, in short and simple term, the perfection Christ is referring to here is growth. The question then is, “Are you still growing as a disciple of Christ or you have stopped making efforts to grow?” You must never get to that level whereby you stop desiring to be more like Christ.

Let your focus and gaze be on Christ, becoming like Him through the thick and thin, through mistakes, trials and temptations and different challenges. Don’t stop looking at Christ, no matter what happens to you, for it is in Him that you have perfection. Blessings.

Practical Application: What intentional efforts, systems and structures are you putting in place to aid your spiritual growth? What are the challenges you face in this regard? Take note of and pray about them.

Confession: I am a disciple of Christ. I grow daily. The Spirit of the Lord leads me into maturity. I do not lose my essence as a believer. I walk the path of righteousness.

Related Scriptures: Genesis 17:1-3, Mark 10:17-22

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2