Perfect?

"Nobody's perfect." A phrase we hear all of the time.

Everyone knows that no one can be completely perfect, so we use it as an excuse when we mess up. We often settle for less than what we are capable of because we think it is impossible to be perfect. But in Matthew 5 Jesus commands us to be perfect, just as God is perfect. "How can that be?" we ask. "How are we supposed to be perfect?"

We know all to well Romans 3:23, that all have sinned and fallen short, and we focus on the fact that humans are sinners. But did Paul not say that God would not tempt us past what we could handle? And did he not say that I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength?

So if we can handle every sin, and if we can do ALL things (which includes denying sin) then it is possible to be closer to perfect. Will we ever reach perfection here on this earth? Of course not! But does that mean we should set our sights on an imperfect lifestyle? Of course not!

We will never be perfect, but that is what we are called to be. We will never be perfect, but we should strive to be, and not settle for less than our very best.