In 2006 a film entitled the Secret was released in theaters. When a subsequent self help book was written by Rhonda Byrne based upon this earlier movie, a movement began to gain some traction nationwide. Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Larry King invited the founders of the Secret on their talk shows to discuss its teaching. Based upon my understanding of this documentary, the mind is used as a catalyst to focus on the law of attraction. According to the various guest speakers in the film, belief, positive thinking and vision are essential to reach your full potential on earth. While some of the concepts addressed do make sense, the Bible does respond to the Secret Movement.
“But it shall come about, if you do not listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today, then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you,” Deuteronomy 28:15.
Instead of explaining good and bad in life through the law of attraction, the Bible has a different set of standards. According to Moses, the good things in life are a direct result of God’s blessing. Blessings occur as individuals begin to listen, obey and carefully follow God’s commandments, precepts and statues recorded in the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. Meanwhile, as people forget, stray from or reject God’s laws, curses come into your life in the form of disappointment, failure and trials. There are other contributing factors such as prayer, repentance and reconciliation. Yet, the New Testament introduces the world to a kinder, gentler God, full of grace, mercy and love demonstrated by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it], 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.
If you read the Secret or watch the movie, you may be tempted to believe in the endless possibilities of thinking everything you want and hope for into reality. Unfortunately, this idea sounds too good to be true because it sets people up for failure, promising a false sense of reality. While the Bible does compliment principles such as positive thinking, developing a strong mind and vision, sometimes faithful people like Job are attacked by demons, powers of darkness or Satan himself. This element of the spiritual realm is not addressed by the Secret Movement. Yet, when individuals exercise freewill, accidents, mistakes and those who seek revenge can alter, change or permanently end your life. Thus, the Bible is designed as a light, Psalm 119:105, a guide, John 14:6 and an endless source of information to assure eternal salvation, 1 John 5:13. May this blog help you sort through tough questions in life and prepare you for future theories about how to get rich quick.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 