Practice Makes [Almost] Perfect

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 ESV)

I am an Instagram junkie. I particularly enjoy scrolling through photos and videos of talented artists creating beautifully intricate watercolor paintings and calligraphy designs in their sketchbooks, canvases, or journaling Bibles.

I’m no stranger to watercolors, but a few months ago I bought a fancy brush pen and a hand-lettering workbook to try to emulate these experts. Unfortunately, my first few hurried attempts failed, and my perfectionist personality default took over.

Frustrated and impatient at my lack of instant success, I put my pen and workbook away and took a break from hand lettering altogether. If I couldn’t do it perfectly the first time, I thought, why should I even bother?

A few weeks later, another gorgeous Instagram photo prompted me to pick up that pen and workbook one more time. That’s when I overcame my paralyzing perfectionist instincts and finally began to practice. Moving from script, to serif, to sans serif, I diligently copied one perfect letter after another onto the ruled pages of the guide.

Eventually, as my knowledge of the craft increased and my skills matured, my shaky, amateur letters began to look more like those beautiful, smooth, example letters. I stopped being an admirer and finally became a doer.

This is what putting our faith into action looks like as well. We can absorb God’s truth and goodness as his admirers, and we can see his pretty words in the Bible, but we don’t become his followers until we also become his doers. It’s taken me three decades to realize that applying what we learn in Scripture about Jesus to our everyday lives takes practice. We don’t become effective disciples overnight.

Yes, his Holy Spirit empowers and equips us, but practicing what he’s taught us completes our transformation from self-led to Spirit-led and leads us to maturity in Christ.

Serving without expectation takes practice. Giving freely without reservation takes practice. Speaking truth in love takes practice. Extending grace and forgiveness takes practice. Rejoicing in all circumstances takes practice. Loving your neighbor well takes practice.

On the surface, we think these things come easily. We see Jesus do it and think it’s simple, easy-peasy, no big deal. But while it may be easy for the Savior of the world to do these wonderful, selfless things, these actions don’t always come easily to us.

Practice makes (almost) perfect when it comes to letting go of self. The more times we do something, the easier it becomes. The more we practice doing something, the less thought, intention, and effort is required to replicate our work.

This is true with hand lettering, and this is true with selflessly completing good deeds. Eventually, both can become essentially effortless and part of our normal routine, but only if we’re willing to practice and carefully emulate our teacher on a regular basis.

To grow, we must be willing to make mistakes. We must be willing to start doing God’s will before we’ve mastered everything there is to know about his kingdom. We must be willing to practice. We’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but we follow a perfect Savior.

Father, please help us be willing to practice doing your will so that it becomes second nature to us. Let us rely more fully on the strength and power of your Holy Spirit and trust you to overcome our weakness and imperfection. Help us be doers and not simply admirers. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (1 Timothy 4:15 ESV)

Reach for More

Are you an admirer or a doer? How will you imperfectly practice following a perfect Jesus this week?

Lauren Flake writes about her journey as a wife, mom to two little girls and Alzheimer’s daughter in her native Austin, Texas, at For the Love of Dixie. Her first book, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go? was published in 2016. She thrives on green tea, Tex-Mex, and all things turquoise.