Practice Makes Perfect? 

I have been grateful for the opportunity to practice. Since I often don’t get things right the first time, I appreciate the chance for a “do over” which might be a little better than the previous attempt. 

Brené Brown teaches that concepts like empathy and vulnerability are skills that need to be developed; they don’t usually come naturally. So I feel better when I need to work on those attributes, rather than expecting to just “have” them. 

Sister Camille N. Johnson, when she spoke at the most recent BYU Women’s Conference, shared: 

For the last 30+ years I’ve been practicing law. I think there is a reason it is referred to as the “practice” of law. I have never taken a perfect deposition, nor conducted a perfect cross-examination—there was always another question or a better question I could have asked.

But I believe the service I provided to my clients was not only satisfactory, it was of value. I was practicing law with an eye toward changing, improving, and perfecting. My efforts, though imperfect, were sufficient because I was practicing.

Similarly, we are practicing perfection to return to our heavenly home. And the Savior, whose grace makes eternal perfection possible, gives us opportunities to practice. 

In a recent episode of The Chosen, Jesus was depicted as practicing a sermon. That scene drew criticism, since Jesus was perfect. However, scripture tells us that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52). He didn’t just have everything given to him. He learned line upon line. He practiced. 

So, does practice make perfect? I guess it depends on what I’m practicing and how I’m practicing it. If my goal is to become a better disciple of Christ, then that practicing can help me become a little more like Him every day. And since he is a God of 2nd, 3rd, and unlimited chances, I’m also allowed to make mistakes and practice perfection line upon line. 

To be continued . . . with Part 76