Does Practice Make Perfect?

Karen

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

—Romans 12:13

You’ve no doubt heard the old adage, “Practice makes perfect.” Teachers urge students to practice their penmanship. Bosses advise interns to practice their duties until they’ve sharpened their skills. And what former piano student can’t still hear his or her teacher’s voice echoing, “Practice, practice, practice”? But is it true that practice always makes perfect?

Tucked away in the New Testament book of Romans, God seems to have sent us a quick text message by way of a simple two-word sentence: “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13).

Notice that there is no mention of perfect. But the very word hospitality can evoke a feeling of panic and expectations of perfection. Pinterest images pop into our minds of magazine-like decor, gourmet-style fancy foods, spotless surroundings, and stunning homes. But do we, or our homes or food, have to be perfect in order to practice hospitality?

I find it interesting when studying the Bible not to look at just what a verse says but also at what it doesn’t say. Today’s key verse does not say many things. It does not say, “Now those of you who have roomy, gorgeous homes—complete with shiplap and subway tile—offer hospitality.” There’s no reference to the cleanliness of our homes, the decor on our walls, or our spatula-wielding expertise in the kitchen (or lack thereof). We are simply told to practice.

The verb practice is defined as “performing an activity repeatedly or regularly in order to improve one’s proficiency.” This definition doesn’t state we will ever gain perfection, only that we will see progress.

When I became an adult living on my own, I swallowed hard, whispered a prayer, and began to open both my home and my heart. My practice has made progress. I have learned tips for decorating and methods for cleaning and gained an arsenal of easy, delicious dishes to offer guests.

But I have also served burned chicken, had company spy cobwebs on my light fixtures, and moved piles of unfolded laundry off the couch so guests could find a place to sit. Hospitality means being willing to welcome others into our lived-in homes and serve frozen pizzas and ice cream sandwiches with a smile.

Telling us to practice hospitality is one of God’s ways of encouraging us to bless others, but often we end up blessed instead. Even with practice our houses, cuisine, and we ourselves may not be perfect, yet we’ll be connecting hearts and touching lives as we seek to serve those God puts in our path. Put away the excuses and turn the coffee maker on. Company’s coming!

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve shied away from offering hospitality to others. Help me welcome and serve people as You have commanded me, knowing You are looking for progress, not perfection. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What is your go-to excuse for not having others over? How can you push past that and decide to offer imperfect hospitality to someone this week?