“Self-improvement in and of itself doesn’t produce happiness.”

A thought by Steven Furtick, (2016-03-01) from his book, (UN)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to Do Big Things (p. 122). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title of the book to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Have you found that true yet?  So why do we do it?

Steven says, “We are convinced that a failure-free existence is just around the corner. If we want it bad enough, if we try hard enough, if we study diligently enough, if we strain and strive and push long enough, we will arrive. We will overcome our weaknesses, and we will finally be happy. But that never happens.”

He goes on, “Fewer failures don’t always equate with a more satisfied life. Why? Because our weaknesses are not necessarily the source of our unhappiness. Therefore, perfection is not the cure. Change is good. Change is necessary. Change is inevitable. But change for the sake of change is overrated.”

He then says, “It’s overrated because there is more to life than self-help and self-improvement. There is something far more profound, permanent, and fulfilling. That something is discovering new dimensions in our relationship with God. It’s not necessarily something you can check off a list. But that’s what gives everything on the list meaning to begin with. Our relationship with God must not become primarily a means to get to our goals. When our priorities are right, our goals become a means to grow closer to God. And whether we are hitting all our goals or not, if we are learning to rely on God more, we are accomplishing the ultimate goal.  Knowing Jesus is the only thing that can complete us and satisfy us. We were created with a need to know God, and when we turn to him, we find the source of lasting fulfillment.”

So how are you doing on that?