“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

Just Perfect, Part 2

Sometimes I strive for perfection and control. I don’t believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, “Be perfect” in Matthew 5:48. “Be perfect” does not mean legalism, control, or perfectionism. In fact, these are the opposite of what He meant.  Those were the attitudes of the Pharisees, who tried to perform correctly on the outside, but had filthy hearts on the inside, and Jesus despised that. Legalism, control, and perfectionism are all about ME trying to perform, thus earning God’s favor. I can never do that. These actions are based on pride.

Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Once I have been saved, any good deeds I do need to come from a place of a heart submitted to God, following His leading, with the humble recognition that I could never do right on my own. I must submit to what He asks of me each day. In order to know this, I have to have a personal, ongoing relationship with the Lord. I need to spend time with Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). He wants to speak things to us that we will hear and obey. This is how we can know what He wants from us, because aside from the fact that there are specific laws we are not meant to break clearly written in the Bible, there are personal callings He has for each of us individually, as well.

In my life, there will be times when God makes me aware of an area of sin, and I know that He wants me to be healed in that area and stop sinning. It may be something of which I had not previously been aware. Recently, He has been making me aware of fears that are rooted in my heart; my actions may look “good,” but if the motive that drives me to do them is fear, then I am sinning.

When I do the same thing from a place of love, it is not sin.

When God showed me my fear, I was aware that I could not change it. So my prayer becomes a deeper surrender: “Lord, I have this ugly area. I need You to change it, because I cannot.” And then I must submit to the process of His healing.

As you live your new life in Christ as a free person, when God reveals unhealed sin in your heart, don’t make excuses for that sin, but let Him clean it out. This may look different from situation to situation. Sometimes, you need counseling and confession. Sometimes, you need to simply run away. God will lead you because your relationship with Him is personal and He cares for you specifically.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for setting us free from legalism, perfectionism, and control, which are all forms of slavery. Have Your way, Lord. We submit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.