be self-actualized... kind of

Perfection is out.
Holiness is out.
Being a Temple is out.

So what are our scriptures saying this Sunday?

As much as I hate to say it, they are kind of saying, "be self-actualized" or "live your best life now." Before you think I've fallen off the deep end here, let me explain.

In talking of perfection, Jesus isn't saying we should be sinless (though we should strive for it).  He isn't saying we should seek after some sort of philosophical perfection (though that wouldn't be bad either).  Jesus calls the crowd to be teleios - complete, mature, perfect.

Be the person that God created you to be by loving God and loving neighbor.  Be self-actualized... kind of.

The other note here is that Jesus uses the plural you.  Be the people (community, nation) that God created you to be by loving God and loving neighbor.

Our self-actualization - our living into the fullness of God's dream - doesn't happen in isolation. We can't be perfect without others. It can't happen when we remove ourselves from community. How do you seek perfection? Who do you seek it with?

Be perfect my friends. Be holy. Be a Temple for the Holy Spirit. Just be it all with other faithful people.