I’m Going with the Greek!

Most people I know, including myself until about thirty years ago, interpret what Jesus is saying in Matthew 5:48, in this way: 

“I want you to be flawless . . . pure.”  

With that interpretation embedded into our minds, we are stuck in the relentless never-ending cycle of striving for perfection in everything we say, do and think – beating ourselves up for never reaching that goal – asking God to forgive us for being such poor and miserable pieces of dung, and firmly believing that we’ve failed God’s mandate that anything less than 100% purity and holiness is condemnable.  

That’s the reason many people who are living in that cycle believe that they’re worthless, unlovable, failures – the list goes on. They believe their value is based on their performance. That belief produces hopelessness, despair, pride, arrogance, and biological and lifestyle dependencies (alcohol, drugs, some foods, internet, relational, etc.). 

It’s incredibly sad to say that there are parents, pastors, employers, teachers and others in leadership roles who demand perfection – flawless behaviors, attitudes, etc. – who severely punish those who don’t live up to that expectation.

Is God one of them? Does God expect us to live in that relentless cycle of despair? Are the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 5:48 a scary and intimidating mandate from God?

Let’s Flip the Script-ure for the answer!  

Keep in mind that the original language of the New Testament of the Bible is Greek. Sometimes the English translation of a particular portion or verse of Scripture skews its intended meaning. I think the English translation of Matthew 5:48 is one of the verses. . .  

The Greek word for perfect is τέλειος. 
τέλειος means whole, complete. 

This is really good news! In fact, it’s GREAT news!! In fact, it’s a game-changer! 

The accurate translation of Matthew 5:48 is: Be whole; be complete as your Father in heaven is whole, is complete.” 

Do you perceive the difference between these two translations? 

“Be perfect [western culture’s definition: flawless, pure] as your father in heaven is perfect.” 

and

“Be whole; be complete [Greek culture’s definition] as your Father in heaven is whole, is complete.” 

The former leads many to believe that Matthew 5:48 is a scary and intimidating mandate from God. The latter is leading many to believe that Matthew 5:48 is an invitation from God to Live YOUR Design to its fullest! 

My Script has been flipped!! I’m going with the Greek! 

Are you willing to at least look into whether or not your script needs to be flipped? If so, you may choose to take God up on his life-changing invitation to . . .

Be τέλειος! Live YOUR Design to its fullest as your Father in heaven lives HIS to its fullest!!!