Being a member of the religion that holds the highest values for the wellbeing of mankind, doesn’t satisfy oneself or God, unless he strives to go beyond the required minimum and excel in love and respect for the other. The challenge Christ placed before His believers was one such, “For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” (Mt 5:46). It is easy to condemn those who do not belong to the high religious order that we belong to, but it is ultimately our behavior that matters; hence, He throws the next challenge, “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?” (Mt 5:47). The destiny of following Christ is to become like Him, as He was and is perfect as His Heavenly Father who is perfect: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt 5:48). Let’s be dissatisfied with the level of our practice of religion, so that we may climb the higher ladder of perfection. 

Abba, thank You for inviting us to desire for perfection. Let Your Spirit help us go beyond the requirements of mere religious practices. In Jesus’ Most Mighty Name, Amen.