As I was working on my dissertation this week, I took a break from reading “Manichaeism and Judaism in Light of the Cologne Mani Codex” (no kidding!) by walking through Princeton University.  In case you’ve never done the same, I’ll say this: it is an incredibly impressive campus, and it is clear that the University continues to spend millions to restore and maintain the original stone buildings.  But impressive as the structures are, they’re useless without the students who walk through them.  Princeton University may drop a dime or two on renovation, but what the leadership is really investing in, is the development of some of the best young minds of the next generation.

As I was walking, the lesson for us was very clear.  We need to take particular care to preserve the precious truths of our faith within this next generation.  We need to remember that we exist to pass on what we learn, that these truths have a short-lived advantage if they aren’t developed in the minds of those who will soon stand in our shoes.

Later this year we will devote a whole series to these thoughts; for now, I had better get back to the codex…

Be perfect, therefore, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We find this nugget of inconceivable directive in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. (Yes, I am still in that thing…) Now, I have always heard this “perfection” explained as an incredible standard of holiness that is, frankly, unattainable. I’ve heard that it is a message given to make us feel hopeless and to keep us dependent on the work of Christ. That we just can’t live this stuff.

But do you think this is really what Jesus means? If you look closely at the context, you’ll notice that this “perfection” is not described at the end of the sermon. Instead, it is placed in the middle, after these words:

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Could it be that the “perfection” Jesus calls for is a non-violent, non-vengeful response to everyone outside our existing boundary of friendships? Could it be that Jesus is reminding us that God’s love differs from ours because it is comprehensive?

God’s love includes everyone. It is compassionate, even towards those who would hate us.  See, by imitating God’s love, we demonstrate the part of God that makes him “perfectly” different, and in doing so, we can actually revolutionize society rather than proliferate the usual circle of violence and hatred.

As Brian McLaren writes in his most recent book, The Secret Message of Jesus: “If there is a point in this book where readers might be tempted to slam the cover shut and say ‘this is ridiculous…’ this would be that point.” But what a thought to consider.  What else would we do? Go back to the same old, same old? Isn’t this new way, this new “perfection,” the only one with hope?

As many of you know, we spoke about renewal in our families last weekend.  I witnessed many neat moments under the chupas during the services, and it was a great way to finish our Messy Life series.

Although these six weeks went by quickly, you know that serious relationships don’t have quick fixes. Continue to look for ways to grow: we have some resources available to you.  There is also the Making Marriage Last course at 11am on Sundays, and we have fully-trained counselors available.

This weekend we start a new series in the book of Philippians.  Paul’s experiences in his letter to the people of Philippi will help us to enjoy and to follow the God who is more than enough.  We will spend four weeks walking with Paul, his incredible attitude of trust, and the generosity that flowed from him because of his deep commitment to Christ.  I think it will be fun… and I know it will be challenging.

See you on the weekend!