You’ve probably heard the saying, “Practice makes perfect.” But this isn’t entirely true… only perfect practice makes perfect. So a good question is: what are you practicing? Because you might not want to be perfect at everything.
For example, the Apostle John said, “Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The Bible teaches us that sin no longer has power over us (Romans 6:6-14); unless we allow it.
Unfortunately, we will fail at times. But Jesus is our advocate and the blood of Christ cleanses all sin— so we are encouraged to “confess our sins, [for] God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
However, there’s a difference between falling short (sinning) and practicing sin.
The Amplified says, “He who [practices] sin is of the devil, for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). I’d never tell anyone they were of the devil, but the scriptures clearly tell us that continual habits of sinning are certainly not influenced by God.
There’s a sign in my office that reads:
Thoughts become words. Words become actions. Actions become habits. Habits become character.
This reminds me that anything I practice regularly will become a habit, and my habits define my character.
And here’s the good news: “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (1 John 3:7).
The definition of practice is a repeated performance for the purpose of acquiring proficiency. I am certain none of us want to become proficient at sinning— but I love this definition in the other sense. I want to become proficient in righteousness.
In other words, I want to have regular habits in my life that honor and please God.
I believe you do too. So it’s important to pay attention to your habits and keep practicing that which is good. Notice “the one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.” You and I are righteous— not from our own merit or effort, but because we are made in the image of Christ.
Practicing righteousness therefore means to live and abide in Him.
”Everyone who remains in Him does not sin…” (1 John 3:6a). Can I say it this way: everyone who remains in Him and His love, practices righteousness (does not practice sin).
Practice can make perfect— just make sure you’re practicing the right things.
