Practically Perfect in Every Way

I've just read 'The Sermon on the Mount' from my favourite account in Matthew Chapter 5. 

 

These scriptures recounting what Jesus said to an impromptu and mesmerized audience provide an essential guide; clearly and succinctly they lay bare before us what we need to think and what we need to do to be the best we can be in following the perfect example of Christ.

 

In the last verse of Matthew chapter 5 , Jesus sets the bar very high in relation to the standard of attitudes, behaviours and conduct that he requires of all those who follow him:

 

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

 

Here, in Matthew, The Bible speaks of God as being perfect and we - yes we - ''must be perfect ... as your heavenly Father is perfect''.

 

To help us on our own individual journeys to achieve this required standard lets review a few scriptures which describe God's work, God's way and God's law as being perfect.

 

Deuteronomy 32: 3 &4; ''For I will proclaim the name [and presence] of the Lord. Concede and ascribe greatness to our God.  He is the Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are law and justice.  A God of faithfulness without breach or deviation, just and right is He.'' (Amplified Version)

 

2 Samuel 22: 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 & 37; ''For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness. For by You I can run through a troop and leap over a wall.   As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried.  He is a Shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him.  For who is God but the Lord? And who is a Rock except our God?  God is my strong Fortress; He guides the blameless in His way and sets him free.  He makes my feet like the hinds' [firm and able]; He sets me secure and confident on the heights.  He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; and Your condescension and gentleness have made me great.  You have enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet have not slipped.'' (Amplified Version)

 

Psalms 19: 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11; ''The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.  The [reverent] fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even than much fine gold; they are sweeter also than the honey and drippings from the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them is Your servant warned (reminded, illuminated, and instructed); and in keeping them there is great reward.'' (Amplified Version)

 

So, we learnt from the opening verse in this post, that at the end of his 'Sermon on the Mount' Jesus holds up the ideal conduct of the heavenly Father as a pattern which we, God's children, must imitate.

 

If we hold true to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5, (I suggest you read the whole of Chapter 5 in tandem with this blog post), recall the scriptures above to remind us that God will support us if we look constantly to him for help and guidance - then one day we too will become ''practically perfect in every way''.