[newsbone]

Most Christians perceive self-development as sinful practice to be avoided at all costs.Being a practicing Christian, I beg to differ with this line of thinking because am convinced that the very purpose of the belief in Christ is based on personal development. We see mere un-educated anglers turn to mighty men of God (Apostle Peter), youths with no education becoming great writers (Apostle John). The Apostle Paul and Mark are the only notably educated of them all. Real Christians do not do that, am always told but my persistence in Bible study has paid of handsomely. “When I became a “real” Christian many of my more experienced, and I assume more learned, Christian friends looked askance at my involvement in self-development, labeling these things as New Age and Pagan influences. Moreover, indeed much of what passes for self-development these days is dangerously close to being just that. As a result, I abandoned the most lucrative product my firm offered, a self-development process I had authored called “The High Achiever.” In it I wrote that our Creator had given each of us potential for success beyond our wildest imagination, and it’s our responsibility to use as much of it as possible as an expression of gratitude” writes Jack Kelly a Christian self-development author. The seemingly Christian attitude of demonizing everything that we do not understand is shutting us out of the mainstream living. Jack Kelly reiterates that; The reaction of a broad spectrum of the Christian community has been to condemn these principles as tools of the devil, and because of this many believers today live pathetic defeated lives that not only don’t glorify God, but actually serve by example to turn seekers away from Him. The rejection of this portion of God’s word arises largely out of the average believer’s ignorance of the Bible due in part to the poor (in both quality and quantity) teaching many receive. Not familiar with the whole counsel of God, they assume that His principles for abundant living were actually developed by humanists or even pagans to lure them away from Him. They wrongly conclude that His promise that “I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) refers only to the Millennium. I have personally benefited from articles of secular self-development authors in as much as we do not agree spiritually. Yes! There are various authors whose work contradict with the very essence of the purpose Christ, these I also take what I can but leave the ones am convinced is/are toxic to my faith. All self-development authors are well meaning although their might be disagreement in the approach. Here are some verses that directly encourage persuit for personal development;
Delight yourselves in Me, and I’ll give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
Study My Word day and night and quote it often. Do everything it tells you and you will be prosperous and successful (Josh 1:8-9).
Trust in Me and stop trying to figure it out on your own. Give Me the credit and I’ll keep you on the straight and narrow. Honor Me with your wealth and your bank account will be filled to overflowing (Prov. 3:5-6, 9-10).
Give Me the 10th that’s Mine, and I’ll throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing you won’t be able to stand it (Malachi 3:9-10).
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).
Change your attitude (Ephe. 4:23),
Practice Positive Thinking (Phil 4:8-9),
Discover the Power of Personal Goals (Phil 3:13-14),
The Power of Visualization (2 Cor 4:17-18)
And Affirmation or Self-Talk (Phil 4:4 and 13).
Rejoice in Me always. Be fearful of nothing, pray about everything, and be thankful for anything, and I will give you peace that transcends human understanding (Phil 4:4-7).
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion (2 Cor 9:11).
And when you are remember Who it was that gave you the ability to attain wealth (Deut. 8:18).
This is your destiny. Achieve it and you’ll bring the greatest honor imaginable to the One Who made it so-Jack Kelly.