There is a verse in Matthew that always sticks out to me. I am often reminded of when I feel the personal nudge to judge or try to change someone else. The verse is Matthew 7:3-5 (WEB):
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First, remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.
This verse is a warning about judging another person, it is also points out the importance of personal growth. Some Christians do believe personal growth is important. However, there are others who feel self-improvement within the body of Christ is silly and dangerous to their faith.
Don’t Be A Hypocrite—Now Is The Time To Make Some Changes
However, as Jesus points out in Matthew 7:3-5, we are hypocrites if we are not getting the “plank” out of our own eye before helping another person. While I do believe it is impossible to do this without the help of the Holy Spirit. However, to hear those promptings we first need to learn the following:
- Humility
- Surrender
- A willingness to hear
God can do anything He wants. His purpose will be fulfilled on this earth whether we cooperate with Him or not. This is not about God going against our free will. However, some people will obediently follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit even if we choose not to, and God’s plans will be fulfilled.(see Esther 4:14)
As a Christian, your job is to share the gospel. The main reason is that you have experienced the life change of knowing God. Not only that, but you also believe in what God can do that is beyond your natural ability and control.
Personal Growth Helps Your Testimony, And It Also Helps You Become More Like Christ
Every believer is called to the journey of sanctification. Got Questions defines sanctification as:
The word sanctification is related to the word saint; both words have to do with holiness. To “sanctify” something is to set it apart for special use; to “sanctify” a person is to make him holy.
The process of being made holy is done through the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. However, this is not just done through “magical” thinking or wishing. Faith without works is dead, and Jesus said we must take up our cross daily if we want to follow Him.
Sanctification Is Biblical Personal Growth
Sanctification and personal growth will require us to do the work only we can do with the help of The Holy Spirit. One of my favorite books on the sanctification process is Unleashed: Being Conformed To The Image Of Christ by Eric Mason, and in his book he says:
“God’s gospel stirs desire in us, which leads to our working—through His strength, on His desired goals for our lives.”
Personal growth and self-improvement in the Christian life are essential. It is important for you to pursue becoming all that God created you to be. The change in your life that comes through the work of the Holy Spirit and your surrender to Him will be the testimony that speaks the loudest to those around you.
Self-Improvement Requires Self-Discipline
Most mornings, the mental struggle to take my dog for a walk can last 30 minutes. But I get up early to get ready for the day, drink my coffee, and allow time to mentally prepare for the walk. Some mornings, I am successful and make that journey down to the corner and back home; other mornings, I don’t.
I don’t know why it is so hard for me to get motivated to walk my dog, but I do know I need to do it for her and my health. Getting that little bit of physical activity improves my day so much, especially with a job that mostly requires sitting in front of a computer typing away. I know walking my dog is a task that is more about self-improvement than anything else.
Dr. Henry Cloud recently mentioned on Facebook that self-help is a myth. He says it is a myth because you need to be in community with other people in order to grow. I absolutely agree with this. However, self-improvement and personal growth require actions that only you can take.
Self-improvement is called that because it is only something you can do. Nobody else can walk that walk for you, make that sacrifice, or join that small group for you. That does not take away from the fact that we have the Holy Spirit to help us. But nobody can do those tasks or take the steps you need to take, except for YOU.
Nobody else can force you to move, not even God. Personal growth does not hinder your faith; instead, you can live a transformed life because of your faith.
Some Christians Caution Against Self-Improvement
In the article How Christian Is Self-Improvement, Marshall Segal writes, “Self-improvement feels so exhilarating, so hopeful, so liberating — at least in theory (or in Nike ads). But resolutions can become Band-Aids we slap on to avoid really deepening our relationship with Jesus.” While I do not necessarily agree with Segal’s stance on self-improvement, I think it is important to remember that the journey is about growing in our relationship with Jesus and with others.
Personal views on self-improvement can be subjective. While some Christians may think self-improvement is selfish, I believe living a life lacking self-awareness is truly the selfish route. It is much harder to look at oneself and see what you need to change than ignore it and neglect the actions that will produce the most fruit in your life.
Our Actions Have Consequences
As Christians, we are called to serve others, share the gospel, and somehow bring healing to this world. It takes a strong person to really examine their contribution to the dysfunction around them. I believe being a Christian and having the Holy Spirit’s help is the only way we can do this.
True self-improvement requires self-awareness and surrender. In the Biblical sense, personal growth happens on the inside, overflowing to the exterior, and influencing the people around you. Any improvement in your life will plant seeds of righteousness in your life.
If you are a Christian, self-improvement and personal growth is part of the sanctification journey.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. How has being a Christian improved your life? How has this affected those around you?
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