Ikigai and Kaizen: A Change for the Better
A call back to spiritual basics through Ikigai and Kaizen, encouraging believers to pursue purpose, consistency, and continual growth in Christ.
Service: GIFT Worship
Date: February 8, 2026
Theme: Back to Basics in 2026
Sub-theme: Building Apostolic Saints in the City for the Savior
Text
1 Thessalonians 4:1 / 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP)
“Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation].”
“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”
Topic
IKIGAI, KAIZEN
A Change for the Better
Fire @ Bridge
Continuous improvement and innovation are requirements for success. Yet, it can be difficult to excite people about improvement unless meaning is attached to it. Purpose gives life to progress.
Using inspiring mottos and guiding philosophies helps people see improvement not as pressure, but as direction. When people understand why they are improving, they are more willing to commit to the process.
“Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
George Bernard Shaw
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
Mark Twain
Body
Japanese Techniques to Overcome Challenges and Achieve Success
Philosophies That Could Change Your Life
1. Hara Hachi Bu
Practice mindful eating and moderation. Eat until you are about 80 percent full. This habit helps avoid overeating, increases energy, reduces bloating, and naturally limits excess consumption.
2. Ganbaru / Gaman
Remain patient and calm during stressful times, especially while waiting for results. Gaman means enduring hardship with dignity and strength. It teaches self-control and perseverance without losing oneself when circumstances become difficult.
3. Wabi Sabi
Find peace in imperfection. Nothing in life is flawless, including ourselves. Instead of chasing perfection, find joy in the uniqueness and beauty found in imperfection.
4. Kintsugi
Kintsugi means “to join with gold.” It is the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. This serves as a metaphor for embracing brokenness, healing, and restoration. Broken areas do not disqualify us; they become part of our testimony.
5. Kakeibo
Create a budget and commit to it. Financial order reduces stress and increases motivation to pursue other goals. Stewardship leads to peace.
6. Shoshin
Approach life with a beginner’s mindset. Do not fear mistakes or lack of expertise. Stay open to learning, growth, and new experiences.
7. Uketamo
Translated as “I humbly accept with an open heart.” Acceptance of both good and difficult circumstances lightens emotional burdens. Avoid self-pity and instead respond with responsibility and wisdom.
8. Shinrin-Yoku
Known as forest bathing. Spend time in nature. Be still, observe, breathe deeply. This practice has been scientifically shown to reduce stress and improve emotional health.
9. Ikigai
Ikigai means “your reason for being.” It is your purpose in life. It is not merely professional success, but what brings joy, meaning, and fulfillment.
Ask yourself:
- Why do I wake up each morning?
- What aligns with my strengths and passion?
- What does the world need that I can contribute?
Life is short. When life is examined at its end, purpose matters more than productivity.
God’s eternal purpose is not only that we possess life through Christ, but that His life be expressed through us.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7
We are vessels carrying divine life meant to be expressed.
10. Kaizen
Kaizen means “change for the better.” It is formed from two words: Kai (change) and Zen (good).
Kaizen emphasizes continual improvement through small, consistent steps. Progress does not require intensity, but consistency. One percent better each day compounds into lasting transformation.
Kaizen began after World War II, notably through Toyota’s quality circles. Masaaki Imai, founder of the Kaizen Institute, became known as the father of Kaizen philosophy.
Kaizen is quiet, steady, and sacred. It values patience, presence, and process over speed and pressure.
The 4 Ps of Kaizen
Purpose
Clear goals that give direction and motivation.Process
Efficient steps and methods that guide execution.People
Empowered individuals who contribute ideas and solutions.Performance
Measured results that allow evaluation and improvement.
The 7 Phases of Kaizen
- Identify opportunities
- Analyze current processes
- Develop optimal solutions
- Implement changes
- Study results
- Standardize solutions
- Plan for the future
The 10 Principles of Kaizen
- Improve everything continuously
- Abolish outdated concepts
- Accept no excuses
- Challenge the status quo
- Correct problems immediately
- Empower everyone to solve problems
- Gather insights from multiple perspectives
- Ask “why” five times to identify root causes
- Be economical and resourceful
- Remember that improvement has no limits
For Instances / Conclusion
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ… he is a new creature.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:1-2 (AMP)
“That you excel even more and more.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1 (AMP)
“Always excelling in the work of the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP)
Action
What areas in our life need Kaizen?
Physical life
Spiritual life
Church
Ministry
Family
Where does God call us to make a change for the better?