“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:38-48 NV)
For the past two weeks, my wife and I have been in negotiations to purchase a house. The process is known as the “game” or the “dance.” Here is how it works: The seller establishes his price higher than he hopes to get to allow room to compromise and settle with the buyer on a lower price. The idea is to create a win-win situation. The seller gets what he wants for the house and the buyer feels like he got a good deal. Both sides, then, walk away happy.
We’re still in the midst of the “dance,” but it got me to thinking how much of our lives revolve around compromise. Within any relationship we have, compromise is a necessity for it to function in a healthy way. Newlyweds learn that very quickly. No one can have his or her way all the time. Life just doesn’t work that way—not in real estate negotiations, not in friendships, and definitely not in marriage.
Perhaps this is why Jesus’ words are so jarring: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.” What, no compromise? You mean there is no room for negotiation on this one? I love my family and friends and treat them well, but that’s not enough? I have to love my enemies, too? You mean there’s no partial credit; it’s all or nothing?
In a world that so values compromise, the demands of Jesus seem, at the very least, over the top. Who can do that? And they also can strike us as unfair because, regardless of our efforts to do good, they won’t count for anything unless we fully meet His exacting standards. Yet, what is clear is that Jesus doesn’t play the game and He doesn’t do the dance. There is no compromise, no negotiation when it comes to His expectations. It is perfection or else.
But before you despair, remember this truth expressed by Paul: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24) We have to be perfect, but it is only possible through a relationship with Jesus. Unlike the way we usually negotiate compromise—each giving up some of what we want, God takes a hard stance—perfection or else. But, while being uncompromising on His expectations, He does offer a deal—give me control of your life and through the sacrifice of Jesus, I will make you perfect. It is what I would call a win-win type of deal, but it is made only with great sacrifice from both sides. Obviously, God’s sacrifice is His only Son, Jesus. Perhaps not so obvious is our sacrifice—humbling ourselves before God and admitting our imperfections and our inability ever to meet His expectations on our own.
This is the deal the Lord offers and I think it is a pretty good one. While His standards are non-negotiable, He is willing to accommodate our inability to meet them on one condition—humbling ourselves before Him by admitting how far short we fall to meeting His expectations and admitting our need for Him to make us perfect.
Today, recognize the deal the Lord offers involves no negotiation. Either one accepts it or rejects it. But if you need to be perfect, it is the only deal that can make that happen.
© Jim Musser 2014
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