Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:48, HCSB
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Today’s Question: What is your excuse for your imperfection and failures?
Today’s Commentary
“Nobody’s perfect.” This is a true statement but is often followed by an excuse for failure. My lack of perfection should not hinder my effort to follow Christ.
For example, I am not a golfer. But when I play against my elementary-aged sons, I try to get a hole-in-one on every shot at putt-putt. Although I have never achieved a perfect 300 score in bowling, I attempt to get a “strike” each frame. My competitive spirit will not allow me to do less.
So why should I excuse myself for sin? I recognize the temptation to throw up my hands and say, “Nobody’s perfect” when I fall short of God’s holiness. Surely God reduces His expectation for humans, since we have a sin nature and cannot escape the daily temptation, right?
Actually, the opposite is true. The “bar” that Jesus set was extremely high. No one could possibly meet the challenge of Christ: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” The expectation is nothing short of a sinless life.
This is why the righteousness of a person must exceed that of the religious rulers in Jesus’ day. As He teaches His disciple, Jesus reminds them that “…all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6, NKJV) Jesus is preparing the people to hear the Gospel. He is stating that their works and religious rituals are not enough. God requires perfection and will provide righteousness for us in Christ.
So, as followers of Jesus, we have two choices:
1) We can give up and say that “Nobody’s perfect,” or
2) We can trust in the righteousness of Christ and, out of love for Him, seek to honor Him in all we do.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #23: The goal of the disciple of Christ is not perfection, but faithfulness to the Lord Who has forgiven the sin of those who trust in Him.
Today’s Prayer Point: Ask God to establish within you a testimony of faithfulness to Him and integrity among the people your life touches.
Shepherding Well 