Verse Highlight: 

Matthew 5:48 “Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Dear Moms, 

This verse can put quite the pressure on a person! Especially because it was spoken by Jesus Himself, right after He shared quite a few impossible instructions on how to live. Among other things, He compared anger to murder (vs. 21-22), lust to adultery (vs. 27-28), and commanded that His followers love their enemies! This was radical teaching then—and it still is! While the words are no longer new, truly living this way remains a challenge. Was Jesus commanding the impossible? Is this something that can only be fulfilled in heaven? 

Well, yes. And no. Jesus certainly was instructing us to live in a way that can only truly happen through supernatural transformation. But, part of the reason we have such a hard succeeding at this is because of the way we understand perfection.  We think of it as something you start off with, or that it is attained baby keeping something without blemish. When we do something perfectly, we do it correctly the first time, making no mistakes. In this way, a drive for perfection can be detrimental because a) we quickly grow discouraged when things don’t remain perfect (which can cause disillusionment & quitting); and b) it limits our life to a superficial version. We feel pressured to present a specific image to the world around us.  We are reluctant to get involved in things that are beyond our ability to control or contain them. 

But, when Jesus says, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” He is saying, “be complete, fully mature”. And as a Christian, this happens supernaturally through Christ. Because of Him, we are finished & fully mature, lacking nothing. It would be impossible for us to be in need of more than Him! He provided the way to be healed and whole, fully redeemed. 

Yet, we all experience lack. We all can see areas of immaturity in our lives. Places we need to grow. Character that does not quite reflect that nature of the redeemed. How can both be true? 

The truth is that we are saved through faith in Jesus. Immediately. Supernaturally. But, we spend the rest of our days working out our salvation. We spend the rest of our lives becoming more and more whole and complete—being transformed in His Presence, yes. But, also growing as we follow Him & learn His ways. Becoming more like Him through the process of repentance. The more you grow to be like Jesus, the better you will be. For yourself and for everyone else—especially your family! So, my message for you today is twofold:

First, change your definition of perfection. Realize that you and your family are on the journey toward wholeness together and there is no shame in the journey! You are more mature this year than you were last. The same will be true next year. This is reason to be encouraged because it means that the best will always remain ahead of you. You are going from glory to glory, so celebrate growth and make that the standard of your home, not perfection!

Second, recognize that the Lord is deeply invested in your process and your wholeness happens only because of Him! His grace on your life—His kindness—to you will lead you into maturity, if only you will follow Him. Because He gives you such grace, you should also give grace to yourself! (In other words: Be kind to yourself!!) And, give grace to others too. Intentionally cultivate grace in your home and you will be amazed at how far a little kindness will go. 

Today’s Action Step: 

Celebrate growth! Take some time to recognize areas where you / your family members have grown and celebrate it! Acknowledge it with some kind words and maybe even a celebratory dinner or fun family night. If you have had more value for perfection than growth, this is a good time to reset that. It won’t take long before an atmosphere of grace will grow!

You’ve got this! Lead by example by receiving grace from the Lord and extending it to others—starting with yourself. 

Blessings to you as you do!