Faith

Self Improvement

by Curt Klingeman
05/09/21
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Some Improve, Some Don’t

   Do you find yourself chasing a better version of yourself? The self-help industry is flourishing, because so many want to improve themselves, as they want a better life. Where they’re at in life is not working, and they’re desperate for different. Some actually do make changes, because they made the quality decision to change. Others, not so much. They wish for it, but don’t take action.

   The problem for them is they cling to things that hold them back from making those changes. As long as they hold on to those thought patterns, they will continue making the same types of self-defeating decisions, while embracing self-defeating attitudes. It’s no wonder the Bible calls for a renovation of our minds.

   Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

   The blessings of God, which includes changes for the better, require alignment with Him and the way He thinks. You cannot expect His blessings while holding on to those things that no longer belong to you -the lusts of the world. Fighting biblical principles will never get you where you want to be. Just remember, your flesh will tell you differently, but then aren’t we crucified with Christ?

Why Self-Improvement?

   Are you one who wants to improve? To what end? What motivates that desire? Here’s a problem with much of the self-improvement industry, it’s self-based. So many talk about getting help from others (mentors), but they don’t encourage seeking God’s help. If we get brutally honest, a great deal of this self-improvement stuff is based on pride.

   Because people have not connected with the affirmation of God Who is their Father, they seek the affirmation of man by way achievement. They want to feel better about themselves, and in spite of great success, many will never be satisfied. They will never reach a place of contentment, since they’ll never be “happy with themselves.” Hence, the constant chase for the next thing.

   With any success you may experience in the endeavor of seeking improvement, to whom does the glory belong? In truth, the self-made-man is a myth. No one gets where they are, apart from others. Discounting God is a bad idea, especially since He’s the One Who gives us the ability to prosper -both believer and unbeliever. Has anyone come into this world on their own? Stating the obvious, without a mother and father that never could happen.

   No one fed themselves when they were born. Those who read self-help books, did not write them. They were born consumers, not producers. They had to learn to produce from others. Without God, none of the above could possibly exist.

   In the end, everyone will bow before God and give Him all the glory, and that includes all the self-help gurus.

What Self-Improvement Requires

   So, you want to improve? Okay what does that require? Jesus said it best: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it (Matthew 16:24-25).

   For those who insist on chasing things some consider marks of success, think about a question Jesus posed: For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul (Matthew 16:26)?

Here’s a couple final verses to consider.

   Colossians 3:23-24 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

   Revelation4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.

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