perfection and maturity

As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible but more mysterious. Albert Schweitzer

This last week I've been thinking about the sermon on the mount a lot. Partly because of a sermon last week, and Bible study during the week and today's message. As an ethic, Matthew 5 was declared an impossible value system by the great Albert Schweitzer. A philosopher and recognized and published theologian, accomplished organist, and Bach scholar, Schweitzer still seemed to attempt to live the ethic however impossible it was by being a humanitarian doctor in Gabon, in Africa. I was fortunate to read a book about him when I was a teenager about his life in Gabon as doctor, but he gave up many things including being a recorded organist. (listen to him play here) What made him give up the comforts of Europe and acclaim and recognition to go to a tiny little mission hospital. It has taken me a long while to truly understand it. Today a momentary conversation helped me grasp that it isn't a matter of motivation rather something where if you don't do it - you know somethings wrong or missing with your life.

In Matthew 5:48 the Greek, teleios, τελειος, which we translate as perfect has a greater nuance. I have been drawn, since my early days of studying Koine Greek, to the understanding and translation as of being mature or full-grown. This removes the perfectionist problems and presents things with more a holiness as goal. For me, humans are works in progress moving forwards we hope and pray. Life is not about acquiring more knowledge whether facts and information, or even more experiences , but rather to be more astounded by more and more mystery and wonder. If you can accept it, i.e. it is comprehensible then perhaps it doesn't have mystery and wonder that it needs.

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matt 5:48