Manifesting Versus Having Faith
As humans, we all desire perfection—that’s why we have the term “perfectionist.” But we’ve been taught there’s no such thing as perfect, so why bother trying? That’s partially true and partially false. Here’s a truth that might challenge your perspective.
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
As Christians, we understand that our daily goal is to reflect the character of Jesus Christ during our time on earth. While Jesus walked the earth as a human, He was absolutely perfect! Part of mirroring His character involves striving for that same perfection. Now, this idea might feel a little confusing, so here’s some clarity. (Keep an open heart and stay with me!)
The world today is so steeped in sin that our standards of what’s “good” are shockingly low. Society has grown so comfortable with sin that a truly committed Christian often appears “radical.”
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
This verse teaches us that no matter how hard we try, we’re all sinners and will always fall short of God’s perfect standard. But don’t take this as discouragement! Instead, see it as a reminder of God’s unfailing grace and compassion toward us.
When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we are reborn. If Christ lives in us, His perfection also dwells within us, giving us the strength to strive for holiness. It’s important to acknowledge that no human on earth will ever be truly perfect—except for Jesus. However, through Him, we are empowered to act in ways that reflect His perfection.
This applies to those who are truly doing their best to live for God, seek His will, and obey His commands. We must show God that we’re genuinely trying. We are called to feel uneasy about sin, to deny our flesh, and to pick up our cross daily. Being near God for eternity in His kingdom far outweighs anything this temporary world can offer. It’s our duty to recognize that we are temporary residents on this earth. Our focus should be on eternity, living for the day when we will be fully united with God forever.
