This morning my “tea fortune”—or whatever you call those tags that hang on the end of the teabag—really got me thinking about spiritual practices. I try not to put a lot of stock in tiny slips of paper that have an inspirational quote or instructional message. I’ve never played the lotto numbers in a fortune cookie slip either. Well, I’ve never actually played the lottery, but you get the point.
The tag said: “Patience gives the power to practice; practice gives the power that leads to perfection.” Hmm. “Practice makes perfect”—another cliché that I heard one too many piano teachers say when I was little. My problem was this: practicing was no fun, and I didn’t have the patience for it- so I didn’t. And as Mom predicted, I now regret not mastering that skill. I had other activities that pulled my attention away from piano lessons. I discovered I had more desire to practice the things I enjoyed, such as dance, instead of something I tried to make myself like, but was never really good at.
Should we really only practice the things we enjoy? And do we only enjoy (a habit, skill, activity) because we feel competent in that area? Some psychologists would agree.
But is perfection the point of spiritual practices? It’s not attainable, so why keep engaging in futile efforts to reach something that is simply out of reach. More often than not it leads to being critical of oneself and others, disappointment, anxiety, and wait for it… legalism. But last time I checked, my Bible still had a lot to say about being perfect. Scripture mentions the idea of perfection many times… In particular, Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (NIV) That’s a tall order!?
Thank you Mr. Eugene Peterson (and many other commentators) for clarifying this verse and helping us understand what ‘perfect’ means in Matthew’s gospel:
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.” (Matthew 5:48, The Message)
Love like God loves equals being perfect. And that takes practice, and patience.
So, before I throw away my tea fortune, I’m going to think about some habits/practices in my life that could use a little more, ‘practice.’ I have a lot of work to do in the area of living graciously and generously. I certainly miss the mark on perfection as God sees it. Thankfully, he loves me for that very reason.
What spiritual practice do you need more patience/grace with yourself in?
Do you find yourself getting caught up in the battle for perfectionism in your practices? Or—like me, find yourself wanting to give up on something because you don’t enjoy it or feel knowledgeable or capable in that area?
How about it… will you join the conversation?
 Joannah Sadler, LMFT, who is our Managing Editor and also looks after our Features section, divides her time between part time work for the journal, teaching, and working at Richmont Graduate University as a therapist. Joannah is married to Jason and lives in Atlanta.
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