Question 187: About self-improvement
Question 187: How does the Gospel of Oneness help with self-improvement?
As the old saying goes, “The biggest room is the room for self-improvement.” The Gospel of Oneness can help people improve themselves because it teaches that we are all immortal souls who have vast potential to transform ourselves into ever higher versions of our identities in Spirit while leaving the ego behind.
In any one human lifetime, we can only accomplish so much within the limitations of our physical forms. However, once we learn that we have the willpower to change ourselves, then many possibilities open for us. The Gospel of Oneness encourages people to ask questions about everything. It encourages cooperation with other people who are seeking to improve themselves. It encourages people to get out of thoughts of unworthiness and low self-esteem. It encourages people to get rid of such thoughts as being a “sinner” or as someone who is stuck in habits and limitations.
The religions of the world have often shaped the views people have of themselves. For example, in Christianity, people are taught they are born as sinners and can never rise to be equal to Jesus. In Islam, people are taught that Muhammed was the perfect example and no one else can match him. These are false concepts that inhibit the drive to excel.
Jesus and Muhammed are still improving themselves. No being stands still in the evolution of their potential. We can keep on improving in this life and on into the next life. Perhaps we will move on to eventually be spiritual guides to planetary systems, or maybe we will become musicians or athletes of the highest order. We have the power to choose what we want to become. We don’t need to be super ambitious; we just need to be open to our own potential.
Most experts and great leaders agree that leaders are made, not born and that they are made through their own drive for learning and self-improvement. Carol S. Dweck
Practice self-awareness, self-evaluation, and self-improvement. If we are aware that our manners – language, behavior, and actions – are measured against our values and principles, we are able to more easily embody the philosophy, leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do. Frances Hesselbein
“No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself.”
― Madonna
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