Developing a Theology of Personal Development (1): Inner Work First

I’m about to start an ambitious project – mapping out a theology of personal development. Now some may scoff that it’s impossible, and that the focus on us each developing to be the best version of our self is a reflection of Western individualism, and that it has little to do with the world of the Bible. In that world, commitment to the communal good quickly transcends individual good. The African concept of ubuntu (I am because we are – or we cannot decide our actions until we have stood in the shoes of the other) is far closer to the biblical ideal. In short, a theology of personal development that is all about me, myself and I is unlikely to be theologically informed by the Christian God, who we understand to be Triune – a Divine union of Father, Son and Spirit that is somehow so strong that we insist that God is one.

For all that, we are told to assume responsibility for how we turn up to life. One of the promises found twice in the Hebrew Bible is that  “In those days people will no longer say, ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.'” (Jer 31:29; Ez 18:2). We are individually responsible for our actions, and can’t default to blaming our parents or society. While that is not to pretend that everyone’s upbringing is equal (and clearly it isn’t), it is an empowering challenge to transcend what has gone before, no matter how difficult.

To be a theology of personal development it has to be formed and shaped by grace – because the Bible’s focus is not on pulling ourself up with our bootlaces, but rather one that points to the forgiving and transforming power of God’s grace, supremely experienced through the Cross of Jesus. If we develop a theology of personal development filled with useful hints and tips about managing our time better, controlling our anxiety, and lowering our anger, we have really just created a new form of legalism – a set of things to do in an attempt to impress God. Rather than liberate us, this will send us into a deluded and depressing cycle of putting everything back on our shoulders, as though God is not our Redeemer, and not the One who sets us free.

Growth that is a spontaneous response to God’s grace works very differently. Eph 2:8-9 gives us the sobering but joyful reminder: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” New life in Jesus is a gift – and all good things flow in response to that gift. It is about beginning in the place of liberation, not condemnation. If I accept that grace, it is the invitation to be who I now most truly am – a child of God (1 John 3:1-3). It’s not about oppressive deficits, but accepting the invitation to live up to the identity we have in Jesus.

So what does this then mean in practice?

Personal development in theological perspective starts not so much with the question of what I must now do, but who I must now be. Put differently, it’s about being before doing, or recognising that Jesus is right (surprise, surprise) when he says that it is from the overflow of our heart that our mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). What is going on deeply within finds its way into our speech and actions.

How do we start the inner work that’s needed? One more time – we start because grace inspires, prompts and empowers us. Because of grace, we are unafraid to explore our inner landscape, even if it is depressingly toxic. When we look inwards, we often spot key zones that need to be opened to the love of God. Here are 5 important areas to ponder:

1. How much of my life is dominated by the fear of others and what they think of me? What blocks me from hearing that I am a child of God?
2. What am I insecure about? Why? If God is “my Rock and my Redeemer” (Ps 19:14) why do I act as if I am alone and vulnerable?
3. What hurts from the past are tripping me up in the present? What stops me from letting them go?
4. Do I most naturally view the “other” as a friend or a foe? Why?
5. What would change if I heard Jesus whisper to me, “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Actually, he has promised this… What changes if I hear this promise deep inside of me?

Hmmm. Challenging but helpful question to contemplate. Next week we’ll look at growing through watching our thoughts.

Nice chatting…

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