Word!

I saw a discussion on a thread that involved the state or need of being perfect  What follows is part of my input.

When things in the Bible either seem contradictory or prove to not make reasonable sense, I've found it's sometimes because the Merriam-Webster definition is used.
In the past 3-4 years, I've learned to seek out the Greek or Hebrew word and its meaning.  When the original language is applied, the difference can sometimes be like night and day.  (I use a Strong's Exhaustive Concordance which includes a Hebrew and Greek dictionary.)

While John 8:32 is often taught alone, it's the latter half of a sentence starting in vs 31. 
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Continue per M-W (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continue) has various applications:  endure, stay, keep up, maintain, prolong, retain.
The Greek word is vs. 31 translated continue is 3306 "meno" and means to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):  abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry. 
The Greek definitions are more accurate than the English.  Abide and dwell  indicate  love/relationship.....whereby the English definition provides no reference to relationship, but rather implicates works/effort.

Likewise for the word "perfect" as used in Matthew 5:48:
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Perfect per M-W (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect) has too many applications to type here, but here are some:  flawless, accurate, letter-perfect, expert, proficient, pure, total, complete, sane...etc.
The Greek word for perfect in Mt5:48 (both uses) is 5046 "teleios" and comes from the root word 5056 "telos", which comes from "tello".
"Tello" (which is at the heart of "telos" and "teleios") means to set out for a definite point or goal; properly, the point aimed at as a limit; i.e., the conclusion of an act or state.
"Telos" means result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic); uttermost.
"Teleios" means complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); of full age, man, perfect.

Which one? 
a) Be complete, as your Father is complete.
b) Be flawless, as your Father is flawless.
(Keep in mind, I believe God is flawless, accurate, everything M-W and Strong's describe and more.  BUT I don't believe we're flawless, etc.)

To assume or limit perfect (within context of Mt5:48 ) to mean flawless, etc. takes just as much, if not MORE, subjectory (or is it objectory?) interpretation as my saying this:
"Set yourself a goal and grow; aim at God's perfection as the limit.  Be complete in Christ, as your Father is complete."
AND, if so that the Holy Spirit of God abides within you, it is He that makes you complete here and now...it's something God does, not us.

Philippians 2:12-13
12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

As we pursue the goal we've set with Christ-likedness as the limit, we (by default) work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.