There is an old saying that “practice makes perfect.” I cannot with honesty say that I have much experience in perfection. I was a student, and I can tell you that I was not the perfect student. I am a publisher, writer and photographer, and I have not achieved perfection in any of those areas. I love to sing and have practiced much, but again perfection eludes me. I have served in many callings of service and leadership in the Church, and I must humbly admit that in these I have never been perfect either. I have been a friend to many, nevertheless I suppose I have not been the best to any. I am a son, brother, father and now even a grandfather, and I have seen better sons, brothers, fathers and grandfathers for that matter. My sweet Monica can attest that I am not the perfect husband, even though I always claim to be. The truth is that I do aspire for perfection in all of these things, but perhaps I have just not practiced enough.

One of the things in which I have never come close to perfection is keeping the commandments. It should not be said that I am a bad man, as men go, but I am in just as much need of the Savior’s atoning power as any other man. I strive to do the right things, I fall short, and I repent, grateful for the opportunity.

All of this lack of perfection is good to keep pride in check and a spirit of humility intact, but can sometimes be very discouraging. I am given hope in the words of the Lord. “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24).

“That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.”

Doctrine and Covenants 50:24

Through Christ practice can indeed make perfect, for He is light. As we receive His light into our lives, and continue to walk with Him, following His precepts, and repenting when we fall short, our pathway is lighted further. Our practice of following the Lord draws us closer to perfection, even brighter light, unto perfection in Him, “the perfect day.”

We are not meant to or expected to be perfect all at once. As the Lord has said, “Behold, ye are little children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:40-41).

He has overcome the world, and we are His. Perfection will not come in a day. It probably will not come in most ways, if any, for all our lifetimes. We are little children in Christ and must improve grace by grace until we are perfected in Him. May we practice in our faith and obedience following His lighted path, that we truly may see that “perfect day,” even the day that our hope will be brought to a fullness of faith, the glorious light of salvation in Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.