We are a work-in-progress and we need to keep in mind that we must continue the work to improve ourselves to be more Christ-like day after day.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

~ Colossians 3.23 NLT

Treat our self-improvement as something that we do for the Lord because we are his fragrance.

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

~ 2 Corinthians 2.15 NLT

If we are offering our life as a Christ-like fragrance to God, we need to offer it whole, not partially. "That part is bad; I cannot offer it to God. This part is good; I will offer this to God." God sees our whole life; nothing is hidden from him.

Although we, as sinful creatures, cannot reach the holiness of God, he calls us to be holy.

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

~ 1 Peter 1.15 NLT

If we are a work-in-progress, then there must be progress!