MC Hammer’s iconic track, “U Can’t Touch This,” burst onto the scene decades ago and still ignites dance floors today. The song is synonymous with untouchable style and an almost comical level of confidence. But what happens when life throws challenges that make us feel anything but untouchable? What happens when we strive for a perfection that feels as elusive as the beat to a song you can’t quite grasp?
Have you ever chased that perfect moment? That flawless day Lou Reed sang about? The ideal job, the perfect home, the picture-perfect family? Maybe you’ve aimed for perfection in smaller things – a flawless recipe, a perfect exam score, a bullseye in darts, a hole-in-one on the green. We all understand the allure of hitting that peak, that moment where everything clicks.
Hatrick Cricket Ball
For many, the pursuit of perfection often plays out in the arena of sports. The author recalls a personal brush with sporting glory: achieving a cricket hat-trick. On a sun-drenched day, playing for Old Wyggestonians Second XI, the thrill of taking three wickets in a row was a fleeting taste of perfection. After a long spell of bowling with little success, suddenly, everything aligned. The key batsman was bowled, followed by a catch behind, leaving the hat-trick ball. Ironically, the delivery itself wasn’t exceptional, but a fortunate edge flew towards gully.
And who was fielding at gully? The author’s dad, known more for avoiding the ball than catching it! Against all odds, a one-handed catch at knee height secured the hat-trick. A moment of pure, unexpected perfection.
But perfection, as exhilarating as it is, is unsustainable. Life isn’t a highlight reel. We can’t always be on top form, day in and day out.
This idea of unattainable perfection resonates deeply when we consider the teachings in Matthew 5: 21-37. Jesus, in this passage, takes the existing laws and elevates them to a new, almost impossible standard. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” If the original commandments felt challenging, Jesus raises the bar exponentially. It’s like going from clearing a low hurdle to attempting an Olympic high jump. The standard of righteousness seems impossibly high.
In the realm of faith and personal growth, many seek guidance from seasoned voices. Bryan Findlayson from Pumpkin Cottage Publications offers insightful thoughts on this very passage. He highlights that Jesus delves into the “divine ideal” behind the Old Testament laws concerning murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths. This ideal is a “righteousness [that] surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law,” a necessary righteousness for entering the kingdom of heaven.
Yet, the stark reality is, none of us consistently achieve this level of righteousness. We all grapple with anger, temptation, and shortcomings. As Bryan Findlayson points out, our score against this perfect standard might feel closer to zero than ten. Jesus, through his mini-parables in verses 23-26 and 29-30, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this gap between our imperfect reality and the divine ideal.
Ten out of Ten
Findlayson offers a powerful analogy: “What we need to do is find someone who is 10 out of 10, knock on his door and ask if we can come in, and there, in the security of his house, weather the threatening storm.” It’s like seeking refuge with someone who embodies the very perfection we strive for and fall short of. Just as we might have sought out the smartest student for answers or the biggest kid for protection in our younger days, we need to seek refuge in someone who embodies ultimate righteousness.
And who is this “10 out of 10”? None other than Jesus Christ himself. Who else can offer such a refuge? It’s not merely about escaping the storm; it’s about transformation within a safe space. Jesus is the perfect teacher, encourager, and equipper. Within his refuge, we are shaped and molded, built up and strengthened.
The beauty of this refuge is its unconditional availability. Jesus doesn’t turn anyone away. He doesn’t open the door and say, “You can’t come in!” No matter the storms we face, his door is always open.
Those fleeting moments of personal perfection, like a cricket hat-trick or mastering the moves to that unforgettable song you can’t touch, are special. But to dwell in the presence of The Perfect One, to find refuge and growth in Jesus – that’s where true and lasting fulfillment resides. In a world chasing the untouchable, perhaps true strength lies in embracing the grace that welcomes us, imperfections and all.
References
- Matthew 5:21-37 (NLT).
- Findlayson, Bryan. “An Exceeding Righteousness.” Pumpkin Cottage Publications. http://www.lectionarystudies.com/studyg/sunday6aiig.html
