What place does spirituality have in the realm of personal development? What place does personal development have in the realm of spirituality?
I would like to share some observations that I have on the connection and relationship between the two. I’m not offering any judgments, if you have spent any amount of time on my blog you know that I like to keep things positive and uplifting.
I’ve noticed in my travels among personal development blogs that many of the bloggers follow Eastern or New Age spiritual paths and that often those two types of spirituality are often connected with personal growth.
Sometimes it seems to be cool or trendy to call some things related to personal growth as “zen”. There is a very popular personal development blog entitled Zen Habits, a blog that I enjoy reading. Even Hyde from That 70′s Show is all about being zen. Originally zen is from Japanese Buddhism and is about seeking enlightenment often under the guidance of a mentor.
When spending time in the personal development blogosphere what I rarely see is the connection between the Judeo-Christian spiritual paths and personal development. I fall on that spectrum and have put some thought into it, as I said earlier without judgment and from an observational point of view.
I am of the belief that personal development and my faith most assuredly go together. In fact I look at my weekly meetings in both large and small groups as lessons in personal growth. I can find mentors and peer groups as well find many of the spoken lessons for free on the website. In fact I’ve had some of my blog posts inspired by something said on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening.
I would like to share some writings that come directly from the Bible which show how the writings in it go hand in hand with many things taught in the personal development world. Why I believe that there is no disconnect between the two.
Give first and it will be given to you.
Proverbs 11:24
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.”
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
You are what you think.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Proverbs 14:6
“Cynics look high and low for wisdom—and never find it; the open-minded find it right on their doorstep!”
You are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
Proverbs 13:20
“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.”
Karma / What goes around comes around.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
Proverbs 14:14
“A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace.”
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
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I think that many times Christians tend to get caught up in the actions of what needs to be done for spiritual growth that we forget that sometimes the answer comes in being completely still and clearing our minds.
When my faith was wavering, I became very interested in meditation and it’s something I still incorporate into my day because I have found that when I am still I am more open to hearing God’s messages to me.
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Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Hi Heather,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I too love meditation, I can really think a lot more clearly and I am so much more relaxed after meditating. I’m definitely more receptive to God’s messages.
Blessings,
Stacy
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Hi Stacy
You proved your point beautifully. ‘Personal Development’ is really just an updated spin on thought and wisdom handed down through the ages.
From my experience, the fundamentals are very similar to all religions and spiritual approaches.
Lovely to be brought back to a reflection on these vitally important aspects of our lives.
Kisane
Kisane invites you to read… Fantastic Bodies For Women Entrepreneurs!
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Kisane,
Thank you for sharing your insights. It does seem that personal development does bring in aspects from all different spiritual approaches. We as people are more than just flesh and blood so it makes sense that nourishing our spirits is a large part of persona development.
Take care,
Stacy
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Personal Development And Spirituality…
[...]1 coment to Personal Development and Spirituality. Kisane ? March 8, 201 at 10:43 pm. Hi Stacy. You proved[...]…
This is such a good article Stacy.
It reminds me of the meaning of the word Enthusiasm.
Most people don’t know this, but the true meaning of enthusiasm
comes from two root words:
En- Inside, or infused
Theos- God
So, the original meaning of enthusiasm is to be so full of God on the inside that we spill over.
That is how I want to be, and I am sure you do too.
This post has encouraged me.
God bless you,
Martin Dale
Martin invites you to read… Managing your talent
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Hi Martin,
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts! I had never heard of the true meaning of enthusiasm, I really like it and I’m glad that you shared it! It’s a wonderful image to reflect on.
God bless,
Stacy
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Hi, Stacy,
I’m new to your blog and I’m so happy to have found it. This is a fascinating post. I have asked myself the same question many times regarding Christianity’s role in personal development.
You are right. The Judeo-Christian path can be used hand in hand with other methods of Personal Development. These scriptures also embrace “Personal Development” as does other religions. Yet, it is how the scriptures are interpreted and used, or dare I say “mis-used”, that determines whether they can be used for one’s personal development. But, you already know that.
I say this because many people will hand pick specific scriptures to feed many unnecessary evils. Yet, with the right heart and spirt, such as yours, divine personal development is inevitable.
My wish is for every person to see and believe this. And I believe that you have just proven the possibility.
Great Post!!!!!!
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Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Hi Kamylle,
I agree with you that the scriptures are too often misused and it really is too bad. I think that is part of the reason that many Christians feel afraid of looking into personal development.
Thank you for sharing!
Stacy
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Great post, Stacy! I have noticed the same thing as you have noticed. I think that part of the reason for this is because it seems like the two main theological camps in Christianity either focus on questions of personal salvation or social gospel, and sometimes “self-help Christianity” ignores a fuller picture, but I can’t help but be reminded that such leaders of personal development as Jim Rohn, Napoleon Hill, and James Allen were all devout Christians, so we have good company.
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Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Hi Steve,
You bring up great points on the reasons for this. I’m glad that you brought up those leaders in personal development, I wasn’t aware of them. I have actually just started Think and Grow Rich.
Blessings,
Stacy
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As a liberal/progreesive Christian, I also find that my faith and my personal development go hand in hand. I like the way you correlated common wisdom statements with Bible verses that support them!
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[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 9th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Thank you Jeanine! Bringing all of the verses together was a long process. I read my Bible on my ipod and each time that I found a relevant scripture I emailed it to myself until I had enough to put a post together!
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Hi Stacy, I loved this post. I’m not sure if you ever noticed in some of my posts that I often reiterate the fact that I am not ‘New Age”… I have often referred back to lessons and scriptures and noticed the correlation between may things we talk about in personal development and the bible.
I think personal development is common sense rooted in our ‘manual’ of life. The Bible!
Thanks for compiling these awesome comparisons.
Jayne
Jayne Kopp invites you to read… An Example of Personal Strength & Gratitude Despite Heartache
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 11th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Hi Jayne,
That is something that I have appreciated about your blog, and one reason that I felt that we have so much in common!
Thanks,
Stacy
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Stacy Stacy Stacy!!!! How did I miss this post. I see now why we connect so well. We really do have a similar outlook. There is so much in self development that comes from ancient text and is re written, none the less from the Bible itself. I think the reason the bible survives is because what was chosen to be included was the best and most inspired texts. It is God inspired! In the times I’ve read motivational material, I came to realise when I found my faith that ALL of it is based on biblical text. It is undeniable.
I tend to try and be respectful of peoples beliefs when writing. I try to be fairly neutral. I respect the spiritual beliefs of others. As you know, I wrote on then subject recently. I have my spiritual boundaries and respect those of others.
Your article today is an inspiration.
I’ve scheduled a post for later that lists inspirational content I have come across on recent years. I know you will love it. Watch Marty’s space in the coming hours!
Marty invites you to read… How to benefit your mind and body
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Stacy Reply:
March 13th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Hi Marty,
I don’t think I posted this in the group, that’s probably why you missed it.
I look forward to your upcoming post!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
I am glad I stumbled into this not-so-old post of yours. I was contemplating writing a similar post, but I felt that I wasn’t prepared to write something which some people may mistake for something about religion.
I also believe that before people search high and low for courses and books on personal development, they shouldn’t disregard the Word of God and teachings in the Bible.
I love what Jayne pointed out, as well as when Steve listed the names of the personal development leaders who are devout Christians.
Thanks again for sharing your insights.
- Rowena
[Reply]
Stacy Reply:
March 17th, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Hi Rowena,
I’ve had this one sitting in my draft folder for quite some time. I wasn’t entirely sure of the direction that I wanted to take or how to get there.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Stacy
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