Does Jesus Call Us To Perfection?

Are Christians Called to Perfection?

We all desire perfection — that's why we have the term perfectionist. But we've been told 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.

"But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." — Matthew 5:48 (NLT)

As Christians, 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 — and part of mirroring His character means aspiring towards that same perfection. Now, this idea can feel confusing at first. Stay with me.

The world's standard isn't the standard.

The world today is so steeped in sin that what we call "good" has become shockingly low. Society has grown so comfortable with sin that a truly committed Christian often appears "radical" — when really, they're just living the way every Christian was always meant to live. The bar hasn't moved up; the world's bar has moved down.

But God's standard hasn't shifted. His holiness is unchanging. And against that standard, we all fall short.

"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." — Romans 3:23 (NLT)

Don't take this as discouragement. Take it as the doorway to grace. Because the very next verse says:

"Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." — Romans 3:24 (NLT)

This is the heart of the gospel. We cannot be perfect on our own. But through Christ, we are declared righteous — not because of what we've done, but because of what He has done for us.

Christ in us is what makes the striving possible.

When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we are reborn.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

If Christ lives in us, His perfection dwells within us — empowering us to strive for holiness in a way we never could on our own. No human will ever be sinlessly perfect, except Jesus. But through Him, we are empowered to live in ways that reflect His perfection — to think, speak, and act like Christ even while we are still being made like Him.

This is for those who are genuinely seeking God, surrendering to His will, and obeying His commands. We must show God we're truly trying. We are called to feel uneasy about sin, to deny our flesh, and to take up our cross daily.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me." — Luke 9:23 (NLT)

Eternity is the lens that makes sense of it all.

Striving for holiness only makes sense when we remember we are temporary residents on this earth. Our focus is meant to be eternity — the day when we will be fully united with God forever. Being near Him in His kingdom for eternity far outweighs anything this temporary world can offer.

So yes, we are called to perfection. Not the kind we manufacture through striving, performance, or self-effort — but the kind that flows from being deeply rooted in Christ. The kind that says: I will fall short, and when I do, I'll repent, get back up, and keep walking with Him — because His grace is sufficient, and His perfection is being formed in me, day by day.

That is the perfection we are called to. Not the world's. Not even our own. His.