be ye perfect... now

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

- Jesus

God expects perfection, bottom line. But it is painfully obvious that we cannot offer Him perfection, or anything remotely close. If that fact is not painfully obvious, then we have become disillusioned and are in a serious need of a reality check in relation to our own sinfulness. Then why, and how does He expect us to be perfect? Is it some sort of cruel joke, meant to frustrate and drive people away? ???

Pride, the answer is pride... we become frustrated and walk from faith when we realize that we cannot do it (be perfect that is), and that inability, pridefully angers us. Oh how possible it is to have this mindset and think that we are right, "well if God expects me to do that... then God can..."

And oh how wrong we are. See, God knows there is no "potential within," and He sees us as what we are. Broken, mis-shaped pots who see themselves as something of alabaster and gold. This fact is beautiful, no, not our prideful view of ourselves of course, but understanding Gods understanding of us. When a parent, teacher, or friend sees potential in someone and that person isn't living up to it, he/she usually becomes frustrated and angry with the person (and that usually from pride too, think about it...). Whereas with the Lord, amazingly this is where He comes to the rescue. God certainly is upset with our failures, but as He is perfect, He perfectly understands that "love covers over a multitude of sins." And as the pen is mightier than the sword, love is mightier than everything. So God wins with love, and He expects us to do the same. And that is why He commands perfection, because He understands that when love is sown, the harvest will be plentiful. Therefore cast out all frustration and anger and simply love. Love.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:12-14

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:7-11

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:5-11