Self Improvement from a biblical perspective

Self-Improvement from a biblical perspective

Self-improvement is defined in etymology as one’s betterment; a person who has the desire to transform and improve their quality of life. In order to achieve true self-improvement from a biblical perspective, the Bible must be the foundation. Beginning with making an intentional decision to care for one’s spiritual, mental, and physical health, thus fulfilling purpose. One must embrace change, commit to lifelong learning, continued self-care, cultivate self-awareness, and challenge oneself to grow, no matter the obstacle, in order to unlock one’s full potential and become the greatest version of oneself.

As it is written in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT) “Physical training is good, but training for godliness (spiritual training) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” In the TORAH / LAW our Heavenly Father YAHWEH provide instruction to rest our bodies and keep the Shabbat as it is written Exodus 34:21 (BSB) “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even in the seasons of plowing: and harvesting, you must rest.”

Spiritual and Mental Health is of great importance and a delicate balance should be maintained. The Word of YAH tells us Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell Yahweh what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. ‘Then you will experience Yahweh’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Messiah Yahoshua.” also, in John 14:27 (NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

In light of the aforementioned bible principles, self -improvement begins with making a decision to change personal habits within ourselves, thus creating change in your life and changing your circumstances.

The ways of the world constantly apply pressure to conform to its ways, but for self-development, you must resist the pull of society because it is the way of the flesh. Instead, renew your mind and transform your thoughts by reading the bible daily, living in dependence upon our Creator Yahweh, pray at all times as stated in 1Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) “pray without ceasing “and meditate on the scripture(s) day and night as the Holy Spirit reveals the deeper things of Elohim (God) transforming your understanding. In Romans 12:2 (BSB) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of YAH.” Joshua 1: 8 (BSB) reminds us “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.” Next, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of YAH, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah.” and Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

There are key components for successful self-development where biblical principles (the scriptures) are used as the foundation, birthing purpose and evolving Spiritually, Mentally and Physically.

Let’s define this further…

•  Spiritual development: is where your journey and experience helps you find a deeper meaning of life and become purpose driven, not out of ego, but to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. This change demonstrates the fruits of the spirit as stated in Galatians 5: 22-23 (NKJV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no Law!”
•  Mental development: your mind/thinking is transformed, casting down false imagination, delusions, and assumptions while guarding your heart from impure thoughts/intentions such as jealousy and envy. Not leaning towards your own understanding but seeking the wisdom and will of Yahweh. Through meditating on the scriptures, one will achieve clarity of mind, peace, joy and maturity in emotional intelligence. Romans 8:6 (ESV) “For to set the mind on the flesh (human nature) is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit (His will and purpose) is life and peace.”
•  Physical Development: occurs and becomes evident when you live by biblical principles of the scriptures where the holy spirit teaches you how to serve the Creator Yahweh through His only beloved Son Yahoshua, implementing the commandments to your daily life with faith, applying the dietary laws which instructs what foods are clean to eat, how to love one another with pure intentions, have self-discipline, and strive to fulfil your purpose. Your mind will be renewed, increasing self-awareness and discernment, thus your physical appearance becomes youthful due to the light of Yahweh enveloping your being. Transformation occurs from the inside out. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) tells us “Therefore if any man be in Messiah, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This scripture speaks of rebirth (born again), shedding old destructive habits, desires and embracing a life to Yahweh’s purpose and will. This transformation touches the core of who you are, altering thoughts, motivations, and priorities; a complete renewal of your mind, soul and body.