Hi. Good message. Just wanted to add a little context.

Your message that we're not saved by works is absolutely true. However, we are called to give up that which stands between myself and Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1—"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

John 8:11—"Go, and sin no more."

Our job, if I can call it that, is to give confess the sin and give it up; to put it behind me. But even this is a gift from God.

Also, in Matthew 5:48, you're right, God calls us to be perfect, but he doesn't define it as sinless perfectionism. Notice the "therefore." It's a summary statement, of course, based upon everything that preceded it.

To be perfect, according to God, means to love as God loves, without partiality; to love your enemies and the unlovable.

God presses us, in a redemptive way, upon those issues that stand between us and Him. So, for the rich young ruler, yes, his wealth had become an idol. He thought that he was going to be saved by following the commandments according to the letter of the law, but Jesus pressed Him upon the Spirit of the law. This had become an idol to him and he needed to get rid of it. It had become a cancer that needed to be excised. If not, it would eventually result in his damnation.

And it's true for us as well. If I there is something I'm holding on to that I'm not willing to give up, I will be lost as well, because Jesus calls us to follow Him.

For Peter and John, He called them to leave their nets and follow Him (Matthew 4:20). He had a greater plan for them. And they left that which had been their sustenance, fishing, and they would have to learn to trust Jesus to sustain them.

Anyhow, just wanted to add a little context in there.

Have a great day.