But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:44-48
So, when Jesus called us to be “perfect” what did he mean? We are all quite clear that we are far from perfect, so what does this calling mean? I think, (as a non-theologian), that Jesus meant that “perfect” was defined as “used as it was meant to be used”. In other words, the perfect condition, the intended condition, of mankind is what he described in the passage above. We are called to love everyone, whether or not they love us. In a perfect creation, we are called to do the supernatural.
Our fallen nature does not allow us to be perfect in this world, but that does not mean that we do not strive to be. It is like choosing to be on the right road. We have a choice to go down the road that God has called us to- that of loving our fellow humans. Even if we choose that right road, there may still be detours, potholes, road hazards, etc. But at least we are on the right road, that is the road of following the commands of Jesus. We will not be perfect at it, but we are on the right road.
If however, we choose the wrong road- the road of selfish ambition, cruelty, carelessness about the plight of others- we have missed the mark completely. That is the wrong road that leads to soul death.
So, take heart. Even when we are not perfect, we can perhaps take comfort about being on the right road. Jesus calls us to that.
Prayer: Lord, help us to follow you to the place you want us, Amen
Reflections of a Counselor 