Perfect

[mukk_in]

Matthew 19:21 (NIV)

If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions.

As a young Christian, I remember living in rags, giving away most of my income just to be perfect. Only later did I realize that my quest was to be perfect like Jesus, but without Jesus. In other words, I sought perfection to feel good about myself, not necessarily to obey the Lord. This is not to despise those who sold everything they had to become missionaries or ministers. However, if our ambition is to be perfect like Christ, without being in Him, it will certainly not glorify God. We must realize that there is no virtue in poverty or prosperity but only in Christ. The Apostle Paul knew what it was to have plenty and what it was to be in need (Philippians 4:12). There is a phase of discipleship when we do give everything we have (Matthew 19:27). But the result is communion with the Lord which always ends in blessing (Luke 18:28-29). Self-deprecation just to be perfect like Christ does not always end in love (1 Corinthians 13:1). Only obedience to God and enduring the discipleship training results in blessings in this life and, eventually, eternal life (Matthew 19:29).​

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

I believe the lesson is the learning to be content. Even Faith is a gift, but contentment in plenty or not is what is learned in the process of discipleship. Phillipines 4:11-13

 

[saved24]

What you said "Only obedience to God and enduring the discipleship training results in blessings in this life and, eventually, eternal life (Matthew 19:29)." reminds me of what I heard on a youtube that those that overcome will have eternal life. Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

 

[eleos1954]

Matthew 19:21 (NIV)

If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions.

As a young Christian, I remember living in rags, giving away most of my income just to be perfect. Only later did I realize that my quest was to be perfect like Jesus, but without Jesus. In other words, I sought perfection to feel good about myself, not necessarily to obey the Lord. This is not to despise those who sold everything they had to become missionaries or ministers. However, if our ambition is to be perfect like Christ, without being in Him, it will certainly not glorify God. We must realize that there is no virtue in poverty or prosperity but only in Christ. The Apostle Paul knew what it was to have plenty and what it was to be in need (Philippians 4:12). There is a phase of discipleship when we do give everything we have (Matthew 19:27). But the result is communion with the Lord which always ends in blessing (Luke 18:28-29). Self-deprecation just to be perfect like Christ does not always end in love (1 Corinthians 13:1). Only obedience to God and enduring the discipleship training results in blessings in this life and, eventually, eternal life (Matthew 19:29).​

None of us are perfect no matter what we my "try" .... only Jesus is perfect and we will become like Him when He returns ..... until then we battle against sin (daily) .... but we know who has won the war AMEN!!!!! We do however strive towards the mark .... but is indeed a daily struggle.