Self-improvement and striving to be better are common goals in life. But what does the Bible say about it? Scripture encourages personal growth, but it places the focus on spiritual maturity and becoming more like Christ. Let’s explore how the Bible guides us in becoming better people.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Games Of Chance
What Does The Bible Say About Striving To Be Better
1 Corinthians 9:24
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”
This verse encourages us to strive to be better, just as runners strive to win a race. It reminds us that we should pursue excellence in our endeavors, whether it is in our work, relationships, or spiritual growth.
By running with purpose and determination, we increase our chances of achieving the desired outcome. This verse inspires us to give our best effort and always aim to improve ourselves.
Philippians 3:12
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”
Paul, in this verse, acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection, but he continues to press on towards his goal. It reminds us that the journey towards improvement is ongoing.
Through our faith in Christ, we are motivated to keep pushing forward, knowing that we are embraced by His love and grace. We should strive to be better each day, knowing that we are constantly being transformed by His power.
James 4:7-8a
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting ourselves to God and resisting worldly temptations. It reminds us that by drawing near to God through prayer, worship, and obedience, we can overcome the forces that hinder our growth.
As we strive to be better, we must actively seek God’s presence in our lives and rely on His strength to resist the enemy. By surrendering to God and seeking Him wholeheartedly, we create space for spiritual growth and transformation.
Ephesians 4:22-24
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This verse encourages us to let go of our old ways and embrace a new way of living in Christ. It reminds us that true change comes from renewing our minds and conforming to God’s righteous and holy nature.
As we strive to be better, it requires us to leave behind our old habits, attitudes, and sinful desires. By allowing God to transform us from the inside out, we can become more like Him and live in alignment with His will.
Colossians 3:10
“…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”
This verse emphasizes the ongoing process of renewal and transformation that takes place in the life of a believer. It reminds us that through our knowledge of God and His Word, we are continually being shaped into His image.
As we strive to be better, we should seek to deepen our understanding of God’s character and align our thoughts, actions, and attitudes with His truth. The more we grow in knowledge and intimacy with God, the more we reflect His likeness in our daily lives.
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
This verse highlights the importance of pursuing righteousness and kindness in our lives. It reminds us that through our pursuit of these virtues, we will find true fulfillment, honor, and the abundant life that God desires for us.
As we strive to be better, we should make it our aim to live with integrity and show love and compassion to others. By seeking righteousness and kindness, we align ourselves with God’s will and experience the blessings that come from walking in His ways.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
This verse lists the fruits of the Spirit, which are characteristics that should manifest in the life of a believer. It reminds us that as we strive to be better, we should seek to cultivate these attributes through the power of the Holy Spirit.
By allowing the Spirit to work in us, we can develop a loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled nature. These qualities not only enrich our own lives but also have a positive impact on those around us.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This verse calls us to resist conforming to the patterns and values of this world. It reminds us that true transformation comes from renewing our minds according to God’s truth.
As we strive to be better, we should actively seek God’s wisdom and allow His Word to shape our thoughts and perspectives. By aligning our minds with His will, we gain discernment to distinguish what is good, pleasing, and perfect in His sight.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
This verse declares that when we are united with Christ, we become new creations. It reminds us that through our relationship with Jesus, we have the opportunity to leave behind our old life and embrace a new way of living.
As we strive to be better, we can take hold of the transformational power of Christ in our lives. By surrendering our old self and embracing the newness of life found in Him, we can live out our true identity as children of God.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and minds. It reminds us that the condition of our hearts impacts every area of our lives.
As we strive to be better, we should be mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds. By filling ourselves with God’s truth, love, and grace, we create a fertile ground for personal growth and transformation.
Galatians 6:9
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages perseverance in doing good and not giving up. It reminds us that our efforts to be better are not in vain, and there will be a harvest of blessings awaiting us if we do not lose heart.
As we strive to be better, we may face challenges and setbacks along the way. However, this verse reminds us to keep pressing on, knowing that our commitment to righteousness and growth will bear fruit in due time.
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”
This verse likens believers to newborn infants who crave spiritual nourishment. It reminds us of the importance of constantly seeking God’s Word and nourishing our souls for growth.
As we strive to be better, we should hunger for God’s truth and wisdom. By immersing ourselves in His Word and allowing it to shape our lives, we can grow in our faith and experience the transformative power of salvation.
1 Timothy 4:15
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”
This verse encourages us to practice godly principles and continue growing in them. It reminds us that our progress and transformation should be evident to others.
As we strive to be better, it is not enough to merely have good intentions. We must actively immerse ourselves in the disciplines of prayer, study, and obedience. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God’s transformative work in our lives.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
This verse urges us to grow in both the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not only understanding God’s grace but also applying it in our lives.
As we strive to be better, we should continually seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus and increase our understanding of His teachings. By growing in His grace and knowledge, we can bring glory to Him in all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 13:20
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse emphasizes the influence of our companions on our character and growth. It reminds us to surround ourselves with wise and godly people who can positively impact our journey towards being better.
As we strive to be better, we should seek the company of those who can provide wise counsel, encouragement, and accountability. By walking with the wise, we position ourselves to learn and grow in our pursuit of righteousness.
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
This verse highlights the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts. It reminds us that the knowledge and truth of Scripture can guide us away from sinful behavior and towards a life that honors God.
As we strive to be better, we should regularly immerse ourselves in God’s Word and allow it to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions. By internalizing the principles of Scripture, we equip ourselves to resist temptation and walk in righteousness.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”
This verse encourages us to commit our ways to the Lord and trust in Him. It reminds us that when we surrender our plans and desires to God, He will intervene and guide us in the right path.
As we strive to be better, we should submit our lives to God’s will and trust His perfect timing and provision. By relying on His guidance and wisdom, we can be confident that He will lead us towards continual growth and improvement.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
This verse assures us that God’s work in our lives will be completed. It reminds us that He is faithful to continue shaping and transforming us until the day of Christ’s return.
As we strive to be better, we can take comfort in knowing that God is not finished with us yet. He will continue to work in us, molding us into the image of Christ, and empowering us to live a life that brings glory to Him.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
This verse speaks of the strength and endurance that come from waiting on the Lord. It reminds us that as we patiently trust in God’s timing and guidance, He will empower us to navigate life’s challenges without growing weary or fainting.
As we strive to be better, we should cultivate a spirit of patience and reliance on God’s strength. By leaning on Him, we can soar above adversity, run with perseverance, and walk steadfastly in our pursuit of growth and transformation.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
This verse assures us of God’s sovereignty and the assurance that He works all things together for our good. It reminds us that even the challenges and setbacks we encounter can be used for our growth and ultimate good.
As we strive to be better, we can find encouragement in knowing that God is in control of every circumstance. By trusting in His plans and purposes, we can have confidence that He will use every situation to shape us into better and stronger individuals.
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
This passage describes the blessings that come to those who delight in God’s Word and meditate on it. It paints a picture of a person rooted in righteousness, consistently bearing fruit and prospering in all their endeavors.
As we strive to be better, this verse encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and His Word. By immersing ourselves in His truth and aligning our lives with His principles, we position ourselves to experience growth, abundance, and success in both our spiritual and earthly endeavors.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
This verse expresses a plea for God to cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits. It acknowledges our need for His transformative work to remove any impurity or waywardness within us.
As we strive to be better, we should humbly approach God, acknowledging our flaws and asking for His cleansing and renewal. By inviting Him to work in us, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of His grace and holiness.
Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
This prayerful verse invites God to examine our hearts, thoughts, and actions. It expresses a desire for His guidance in identifying and rectifying any sinful or harmful attitudes or behaviors within us.
As we strive to be better, we should humbly submit ourselves to God’s examination and correction. By allowing His light to shine on any areas of darkness within us, we can grow in self-awareness and actively work towards personal transformation.