Learn something from Amy Winehouse's downfall

Amy Winehouse, the soul diva, who, on the brink of stardom, died from a mix of alcohol, drugs, and bulimia, hit it big with a song ironically named "Rehab."   Winehouse explains that the origin of the song is that she was asked to go to rehab by her management company and her dad, but she responded, "Pfft, no, no, no." 

Well, she did go to rehab...for 15 minutes, according to Winehouse herself.  She subsequently ditched her management company and hired a new one, and ignored her dad's advice.

Eventually, it all caught up with her and in July 2011, she was found dead in her apartment.  

This can be a classic cautionary tale: "Don't be like Amy."  Yet, there's a better way for us to see it.  Here it is:

Self-improvement is a gift from God.

Amy denied self-improvement.  Found it embarrassing and not worth her time.  But think about this: what on earth can improve itself?  No other living thing.  Tigers don't improve hunting tactics.  Elephants don't learn to read Urdu.  Monkeys don't learn to appreciate Beethoven.  

Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is within you."  He also said that the Kingdom is like a seed, a very tiny seed, that grows into a large tree where birds come to rest in its branches.  See, that's you, if you're a follower of Jesus.  You have a built in self-improvement machine!  

So, when you recognize that you have areas to grow (or if someone points it out-even if that is uncomfortable), see this as a great opportunity to experience transformation (or in Bible-y wording: sanctification).

For me, I have worked hard over my years to learn to manage anxiety, to be more assertive, to connect with my Father more naturally.  All of these have required years worth of book reading, practicing, counseling, talking to friends, talking to God, praying, and reflecting.  

In each of these areas, then, I have seen Jesus' words come true: birds come and rest on these branches.  That means that others have come to see me as a person that they can talk to and relate to on these and other issues.  I've had so many opportunities to encourage others to grow and look to Father for growth.

So, open yourself up to self-improvement and ask the Spirit to walk you through it.  Eventually you'll find people coming to rest in your branches.