Have you ever felt not good enough? Has anyone ever made you feel this way?

In today’s social media dependence, we can encounter this “not good enough” feeling several times in one day.

You see a picture of a mom with her well-behaved kids and think I’m not a good enough mom because my kids don’t behave like hers.

You see a couple on a date night and think I’m not a good enough wife because I never plan date nights with my husband.

Even in ministry, you see a fellow Christian leader’s picture and think I’m not a good enough leader because I haven’t achieved what he’s accomplished.

The list of examples, can go on and on….

The other day I came upon this verse in Matthew 5:48, “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (NIV). I wrestled with this verse and asked God what it really meant. How could Jesus ask us to such a high standard? Perfection? If you read the entire chapter, you will see Jesus had talked about a lot of topics. Mostly giving us a standard above what the law had already given.

In today’s time, I think we are in an endless pursuit of perfection. But not Jesus’ perfection. We unconsciously try to meet perfection by someone else’s standards. Here are the 3 things I discovered about Jesus’ perfect standard:

1-Jesus Said It

My first question when I read this chapter was why? Why would Jesus use that word? Perfect sounds so impossible to attain? However, the more I pondered on it the more I realized there was an underlying truth in this statement.

I realized that if Jesus, himself had exhorted us to do it, it MUST be possible! Throughout his life, every request he asked people to do was doable. Even the young rich ruler could have done what Jesus requested. The issue was that he chose not to do it.

Jesus is a loving God and he would never set a standard that we don’t have the ability to reach. So based on that understanding I realized that Jesus’ perfect must not be the kind of perfect we are used to. Because if he said it, it must be attainable otherwise he would not have said it.

2-Redefine Perfect

So, my next quest was defining “perfect”. I found that some theologians say the word “perfect” in this verse means to be complete or whole. In this verse, Jesus is still mentioning how we are to love others. Jesus tells us to love with perfect love just as the Father loves. A love that is not half given but a whole hearted one.

Do you remember how in school teacher would say he is a “perfect” student? Most of the time, this meant the student had good conduct and good grades. This student may not have gotten a perfect score on ALL their assignments but they did do their best. They went beyond the minimum required.

I realized with God it’s the same. I believe that his perfection means to give our best. My best is not 100% good at everything! It’s giving my all, wholehearted in all. Giving my best when I’m with my kids. Giving my best as a wife. Giving my best in my relationship with God. Giving my best at work.

Jesus’ perfection is not zero mistakes, it’s giving your best!

3-You’re Good Enough

This lie that we are not good enough arises out of the comparisons we make with others. Your best mom version will look very different than other moms. Your best wife version will be different even as your seasons in life change.

If you are obeying the voice of God then your best is good enough. You are functioning in Jesus’ perfection.

Don’t try to imitate others. Follow God’s leading for your season with your family. You are good enough if you are giving your best.

So maybe your kids don’t behave like hers, maybe you don’t have time for date nights in this season…..so? If you are giving your best, that’s perfect in God’s eyes.

I leave you with Matthew 5:16, “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (NIV). We need to shine our own light. We are the only ones that can shine it. Our deeds should give God glory. Make sure you are producing your own light and not trying to imitate or carry someone else’s. You are good enough when you give your best!

Question:

Do you wrestle with comparison? What does your best look like as a mom, wife, parent, minister, provider, leader, etc.? Please leave your comment below.