8.15.26 – Being Perfect

The plane is going down. Each seat has a flotation device. Each seat has a parachute provided. Who among us would jump from the plane without a parachute? Who would ignore the flotation device? I am pretty confident the answer would be none of us. 

Each day of our lives we follow a series of instructions (torah) that have been passed down from parents, bosses, legal administrations, political systems, coaches, advisors, and those in the "know." For the most part, these laws are given for our protection and benefit. And for the most part, the majority of people trust those laws and have learned by experience that the majority of those instructions are for their benefit (e.g., traffic laws, the Constitution, etc.). And when they are followed, society functions smoothly and purposefully. If they are not followed, anarchy, rebellion, and disaster await.

In the Torah portion, Shoftim (Judges), we are given judges (shoftim), officers (shotrim), kings (melech), priests (kohen), Levites (leviim), and prophets (nevi'im), who are all governed by laws that they willingly obey so they can instruct us to live and function in an orderly society that produces health, wealth, peace, and perfection (Deut. 18:13).

Unfortunately, as prophesied in Scripture, many are ignoring the parachute and flotation device and turning to mediums that are proven to fail and create a society that is not only dysfunctional, but empty, void of cohesion and functionality (Deut. 18:9–14).

Is it possible to have a society that functions where everyone has the opportunity to be blessed and they can obtain perfection (tamim) (Deut. 18:13)?

On this Sabbath morning, let us consider becoming perfect (tamim)—not without sin. We expect it and achieve it in the business world, in the sports world, and demand it of our leaders. Without a doubt, we have the opportunity in every realm of life. Is it possible as individuals within a collective whole? Scripture testifies, yes. In fact, it is actually commanded by Moses (Deut. 18:13), Messiah (Matt. 5:48; Luke 6:40; John 17:23), and testified clearly by Paul (1 Cor. 2:6; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 3:15; 2 Tim. 3:16–17), James (James 1:4; 2:22), Peter (1 Pet. 1:9; 5:10), John (1 John 4:17–18), and the writer of Hebrews (Heb. 12:23; 13:21).

More discussion on our Sabbath morning WhatsApp call (9:00 a.m. EST, 816-772-2183). For now, consider what it would be like to have perfect leaders who followed the Torah and only wanted the best for our benefit. Something to consider... it is reality! Will it be for us?

Shabbat Shalom!
Alan


For daily studies, visit www.lightintorah.org for devotionals and more.


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