Self-improvement. Can it help?

As we are fast approaching 2022, the world is laying out strategies for self-improvement such as losing weight, reading more books, learning new skills, acquiring a new job, eating healthier, getting rid of bad habits, addictions, etc.  

“Self-improvement is any activity or goal that enhances your quality of life or helps you reach your full potential and realize your dreams.”

You would think that by this definition, the answer to the question, “can self-improvement help?” would be yes. However, as Christians, we live by a different standard. 

“…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. If you cannot do something to the glory of God, you should not be doing it.  

Second, My sheep hear my voice and follow me (John 10:27). Are we following what God has laid out for our lives? After all, He has the plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Are we listening to Him? Are we doing what He desires? “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil 2:13

Here are some self-improvements that God has laid out in His word:

Get rid of anxiety

“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. “(1 Peter 5-7)

Get rid of Fear

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control .” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Get rid of the old self

“…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

Make every effort to add to your faith

“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8