SUNDAY THOUGHT: The Importance of Self-Improvement
Jay Smith
With Pastor Brian Horrobin:
The great scientist, Marie Curie, had this to say about self-improvement: “You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals.”
To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.
I saw a great example of this on the internet once about a young dad who was very obese and dealing with many health issues that stemmed from his physical condition. He was concerned that he would not be there for his children when they grew up and would need him in their later years. He realized that if he wanted to be a help to them then he would first need to work on himself. He applied himself to a strict regimen of exercise and dietary changes in order to lose the weight and return to a healthy state. It took quite a while and it was very demanding on him but he reached his goal.
As a pastor, when I am sitting down to meet with young couples preparing for marriage, I inevitably advise them that the best way to add health to their marriage is to be committed to growing themselves spiritually.
The apostle Paul said this in Colossians 2:6-7: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Growing yourself spiritually involves regular time in the Scriptures and prayer and attending a good church. There are other aspects too, of course, but that is a good place to start. I have also found that having a friend to whom I may be accountable helps me to achieve my goals, whether it is a health goal, a business pursuit, or seeking to be a closer follower of Jesus Christ.
