Definitions

NOTE: The words I use always hold their standard definitions to the best of my ability.
The definitions quoted below are taken from Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary.

ideal: existing as an archetypal idea: existing as a mental image or in fancy or imagination only : lacking practicality: relating to or constituting mental images, ideas, or conceptions: conforming exactly to an ideal, law, or standard: perfect

image; 1: a reproduction or imitation of the form of a person or thing; esp: an imatation in solid form.

Utopia: a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions: an impractical scheme for social improvement

Utopia, and perfection cannot be realized by man. God looked upon his creation and said it was "good", but it was not perfect because it was not the ideal, or standard, but rather a copy. Only God himself could be the ideal standard. The created cannot be greater than, or equal to the Creator.

"No one is more dangerous than one who imagines himself pure in heart; for his purity. by definition is unassailable." — James Baldwin (1924 - 1987) Notes of a native son, 1955

However, because we were created in God's image, and therefore a copy, we should strive individually to conform to that image as nearly as possible. This in no way implies that we are gods, or that we should act as gods. Perfection becomes an onerous thing whenever those who believe they are gods, and acting as gods, try to enforce their standards upon others through the powers of government or religion.

We are at heart so profoundly anarchistic that the only form of state we can imagine living in is Utopian; and so cynical that the only Utopia we can believe in is authoritarian. — Lionel Trilling (1905 - 1975), American literary critic, author, and teacher

Trilling points out an apparent contradiction which has already been resolved if only we can recognize it. Jesus provided by illustrations and example, the proper view of our relationship to God and how one should strive to meet the ideal standard of excellence. Nowhere did he teach that others should be judged by this standard, or compelled by coercion or force to adhere to it. Those who do, are inspired by the same rebellious spirit which caused Eve to act as God, deciding whats good and bad, not only for themselves, but especially for their peers. All governments and religions exhibit this spirit.