Perfect.

: being entirely without fault or defect

: satisfying all requirements; accurate

: expert; proficient

: pure

: complete

These are some of the definitions of the word perfect that I found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. They sound pretty familiar. This next set of definitions might not sound so familiar.

: sane

: mature

: certain; sure

: contented; satisfied

I went on a search today and discovered that we don't use the word perfect in the same way that we used to. The second set of words are now obsolete. 

I find it extraordinary that the definition of "perfect" we are most familiar with is the definition that is best suited to describe an inanimate object. Even the dictionary uses examples like: "a perfect diamond," "the perfect solution," or "practice makes perfect," when referring to the common definition of "perfect." In fact, the definitions that most easily apply to people and character traits, are the ones that are obsolete. This is particularly interesting when taken into consideration with Matthew 5:28: Be ye therefore perfect. 

The Lord's command to be perfect is often a demoralizing one. It is, perhaps, the cause of a perfectionist epidemic in our world. It could lead to harsh judgements or criticisms and false accusations. Additionally, this command doesn't seem to line up with everything we know about Jesus Christ. Prophets have said that Christ learned and grew like any child. He learned line upon line and precept upon precept. To grow up like a regular child He would have felt pain, anger, frustration, and fear. So how is Jesus Christ perfect? How can someone be perfect when they have acted in anger? Look at Christ! In anger He purged the temple. And He wasn't always gentle about what He said. On the other side, how can He be perfect (without fault, expert, and pure), and still understand what it's like to be human? According to the worldly definition of perfect, those two things cannot exist together.

This is why I find the obsolete meanings so fascinating. To be perfect is to be sane, to be mature. It is to act reasonably and intentionally, to be certain and sure about truth, to be unwavering in commitment, to be content with the call of the Lord and satisfied with what you have. It seems that being perfect has a lot less to do with never messing up, and a lot more to do with never holding yourself back. In my life, the moments when I refuse to let go of anger, or let the resentment boil inside my heart, are the moments when I cannot move forward. Those are the moments when the light of Christ cannot change my heart. It is then that I act insanely, it is then that I am immature. During those times I second guess everything, doubt everything, and distrust everything. And I'm never content with where I'm at. 

Being perfect doesn't mean you never get angry. It doesn't mean you never hurt someone. It doesn't mean you walk through life well beloved by everyone you meet. Jesus Christ was none of those things. He was certainly angry at times, His words were not always soothing, and He was hated by many. But He never let anger control Him, hard words were spoken with kindness and pure intent, and hate never entered His heart. 

I'm not perfect according to the world. I don't make everyone happy. Life isn't all butterflies and roses. Not everyone loves me, and I don't yet love everyone else! But! Am I sane? Am I in control of my actions? Am I mature? Can I handle hurt and accept guidance and constructive criticism? Can I see where I need to improve? Am I content with my place? My purpose? Can I overcome my pride? Can I see my false perceptions? Am I humble enough to let those go?

I might not be perfect, but if I can honestly look at myself, I might be a lot closer than I thought.