Is self-improvement compatible with being a good Christian?

[Daniel M]

Hello, recently I've realised that Christianity and the Bible is the truth, and that Christ, God and all that is real. Though I'm new and haven't exactly accepted Christ or converted yet, but I look forward to doing so, I have even gotten a copy of the Holy Bible KJV. Anyways I have a question regarding self-improvement as a Christian man.

Can a Christian devote time towards themselves? Or is that sinful? Everywhere I research I just get the same answers like "Only do things for the glory of God", and other places I've looked say it is unbiblical to bother myself with physical worldly matters of self, or matters that are not to praise God only and God alone, but I exist here and now on Earth and I feel I have a duty to myself to try to be my best physically and emotionally. I genuinely feel I need to devote time to the betterment of myself, such as meditation, working out, martial art training, reading stoic philosophy, financial business, etc. but I don't understand how any of these would work as a form of glorifying God or what other people say, and therefore I don't know if I'm going down an ungodly path. How should I approach these matters regarding the physical betterment of myself as a man? Is it selfish? Is it biblical? Will I go to Hell? Does God approve? Am I allowed to devote time to the physical and abundant betterment of myself? I've heard from other people that this is a form of "pride" which is the sin that caused Satan to fall from Heaven. I really struggle with the idea that I should just throwaway my self-goals and everything that isn't for the complete worship and glory of God, and I haven't seen any Bible verses straight-forward condemning nor approving of improvement of self in the physical world, so I'm really stuck here. Helpful answers would be appreciated thx

 

[PrimFinallyFoundGod!]

I think so! The bible/10 commandments/7 deadly sins are guidance to being a good person and living life the right way. Self improvement is basically ways to "become the best version of yourself"
They absolutely are one in the same to me. You are God's creation. You can nurture your body, protect it and be grateful for it by eating healthy, maintaining good hygiene, getting exercise, addressing health issues and utilising your brain power to develop/enhance skills. This is an expression of love for God's creation. If someone made something for you that was precious to you, you'd absolutely keep it in the best condition possible and protect it. Your body is no different here.
Following faith is a great way of practicing good morals, doing good deeds (just to be good) and having more compassion/kindness for others.

Sounds like they complement each other very well to me!

 

[PrimFinallyFoundGod!]

i would say respecting yourself and making yourself the best version possible would be respecting the gift of your body that god gave you- while it would be opposite to for instance get tattoos and modify your body by dishonest means- steroids- oil injections- circumcision- altering your DNA
and naturally, generally selfdestructive behaviours such as eating food you know is unhealthy, harmful drugs, selfharm.
respect yourself but dont let the ego take over so it becomes pride

Totally agree with this! Also if you do engage in bad stuff like drugs, self harm, excessive alcohol etc repent, ask for forgiveness and strength to overcome these problems. I personally struggle with these kinds of things and I definitely feel stronger/relapse much less <3

 

[journeymanisnothing]

Hello, recently I've realised that Christianity and the Bible is the truth, and that Christ, God and all that is real. Though I'm new and haven't exactly accepted Christ or converted yet, but I look forward to doing so, I have even gotten a copy of the Holy Bible KJV. Anyways I have a question regarding self-improvement as a Christian man.

Can a Christian devote time towards themselves? Or is that sinful? Everywhere I research I just get the same answers like "Only do things for the glory of God", and other places I've looked say it is unbiblical to bother myself with physical worldly matters of self, or matters that are not to praise God only and God alone, but I exist here and now on Earth and I feel I have a duty to myself to try to be my best physically and emotionally. I genuinely feel I need to devote time to the betterment of myself, such as meditation, working out, martial art training, reading stoic philosophy, financial business, etc. but I don't understand how any of these would work as a form of glorifying God or what other people say, and therefore I don't know if I'm going down an ungodly path. How should I approach these matters regarding the physical betterment of myself as a man? Is it selfish? Is it biblical? Will I go to Hell? Does God approve? Am I allowed to devote time to the physical and abundant betterment of myself? I've heard from other people that this is a form of "pride" which is the sin that caused Satan to fall from Heaven. I really struggle with the idea that I should just throwaway my self-goals and everything that isn't for the complete worship and glory of God, and I haven't seen any Bible verses straight-forward condemning nor approving of improvement of self in the physical world, so I'm really stuck here. Helpful answers would be appreciated thx

Hello Daniel M.
Titus 1:15 says,

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

So please enjoy the things that interest you and be the best you can.
Also, use your best for our dear Saviors glory.
For instance, become the best kung fu artist you can. Then when someone slaps your face, tell him you could knock him out, but you're following Jesus, cause Jesus could have knocked us all out!

 

[gordon777]

Being a good Christian is self denial, losing our life to find it again, seeking the Kingdom of Heaven, and not our desires.


Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 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?

 

[Zeth4500]

Totally agree with this! Also if you do engage in bad stuff like drugs, self harm, excessive alcohol etc repent, ask for forgiveness and strength to overcome these problems. I personally struggle with these kinds of things and I definitely feel stronger/relapse much less <3

i think its valuable to assess what kind of substance it is, jesus was known to indulge in salvia with his decibles and ive found it interesting for meditation myself, i occasionally use cannabis since it has little adverse health effects to me, it is very dangerous in terms of lust however. the harder the drugs, the more risky it will be in terms of inviting evil spirits. alcohol is very bad, just one single beer many years ago gave me immediate issues with spirits that wanted me to do unjustified violence- they left immediatedly when i demanded them to identify themselves by name. i can see however a point in using substances to tempt yourself, simply to defeat the temptation as a challenge