Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
I apologize for posting two days late. I've been recovering from Covid-19. And, although most of my minor symptoms are gone, chronic fatigue is still lingering. Hence, I was too tired the other days, so opted to publish this morning instead. By God's grace, my Covid-19 experience has been manageable from home. I initially experienced a low-grade fever and severe headache for about 24 hours. And then, the rest of my symptoms were total loss of taste and smell, muscle aches, and chronic fatigue. The hardest part about my personal experience with Covid-19 thus far has been not being able to hug or live with my children for 14 days. I can't thank God enough for FaceTime and drive-by visits! God-willing, I may write about Covid-19 and my experience in a future post.
This morning, I want to talk about manifestation, a practice of the New Age thought and belief system.
Have you ever heard about using the power of manifestation to make your wildest dreams come true and get whatever you want out of life?
Have you read or heard about The Secret book? Watched the widely popular movie with the same name?
According to a Lawofattraction.com article, manifestation is "something that is put into your physical reality through your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs...whatever you focus on is what you are bringing into your reality. You may focus and manifest through meditation, visualization, or just via your conscious or subconscious."
In the same article, writer Katherine Hurst, goes on to explain,
Like with the Law of Attraction, a manifestation is where your thoughts and your energy can create your reality. If you are constantly being negative and feeling down, then you are going to attract and manifest negative energy.
As you can see, at face value, manifesting appears harmless and really attractive, right? This shouldn't surprise us because at the core of manifesting are appeals to our natural, flesh-serving desires.
However, when we dig deeper, we'll find that the source of manifestation isn't God because the practice is about using our own strength and demonic sources in the world to make what we want to happen in the world become our reality. Satan is the temporary ruler of the world (John 12:31).
Former New Ager Barbara Curtis warns us in What is 'New Age' Religion, and Why Can't Christians Get on Board? article,
No matter how uplifting and innocent some New Age practices appear, Christians need discernment in these areas, just as at the seashore they need to know where the undertow begins.
Given above, does it sound like manifestation is godly?
Answer:
No, it's not! It's idolatry and more closely related to witchcraft, which are both demonically sourced. There are many scriptures and context throughout the Bible that supports this fact.
Here's at least three reasons why manifesting is ungodly:
1. Manifestation teaches that the power of our own thoughts and works makes the universe create (or attract) and fulfill our desires. God teaches that He, not us or the universe, is the creator of all things. Yes, we have free will to make our own choices, we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), and we're called to put in the work to achieve goals. But it is God, by way of His authority and sovereign rule over all things that ultimately determines outcomes.
God's truth: God is the creator of all things and ruler of the universe.
I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things. -Isaiah 45:7 (NKJV)
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. -Colossians 1:16 (NKJV)
2. Manifestation teaches that we are responsible for what we receive in life. It teaches that the thoughts, energy, and actions we put out to the universe determines what we receive in life. We can ensure success or failure with the power of our thoughts. God teaches that He is responsible for what we receive in life, the good and bad. He promises to those that believe in Him, He will take all things and work them together for our good, according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God teaches that everything in the universe, earth, and in our lives is because He, not us, either allowed it, decreed it, and called it into existence.
God's truth: God is sovereign. He either allows or causes ALL things to happen.
Whatever the Lord pleases, He does in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places. -Psalm 135:6 (NKJV)
For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. -Romans 11:36 (NKJV)
Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. -James 1:17 (ERV)
3. Manifestation teaches that we don’t need God. We need only to trust and put our faith in the universe to receive our thoughts, desires, and energy. Then, the universe answers us back with shaping our lives and attracting to us whatever we've asked for. God teaches that we are to lean not on our own understandings. We are called to put our total trust and faith in Him, to transform us by the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2), and shape our lives to that which pleases Him, serves His purposes, and gives Him glory.
God's truth: God knows best. He is all-present, all-powerful, and all-knowing. He calls us to trust and have faith in Him, not in the universe, and not in ourselves.
Depend on the Lord. Trust in him, and he will help you. -Psalm 37:6 (ERV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. -Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you," says the Lord, "plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
I did this so that your faith would be in God’s power, not in human wisdom. -1 Corinthians 2:5 (NKJV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
So, given everything shared above and other research, Christians should not practice manifestation. But, if you have, genuinely repent for that and then seek God to help you trust Him and turn away from manifesting in the future.
Looking for a manifestation alternative? Try biblical affirmations!
I really want to hear what you think on this topic. Let's get a fruitful discussion going below!
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Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
-Natasha
Thank you so much! I am praying about it :)
Another thought came to mind during my quiet time this morning— If we're not careful, vision boards can become an idol. An idol being a person, place, or thing that replaces God (His sovereignty and authority in our lives), causing us to worship the idol and/or seek the idol for power, discernment, guidance, and help. Given this, I think vision boards ride very closely to the ungodly, unrighteous line. So, if you're concerned it may stumble you in any way, I would not do them. Better to be more cautious than disobedient and sin.
Great question @Allison! There's nothing wrong with thinking about your future and making plans under the sovereignty and authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We must keep Christ at the center of all our thoughts and actions. Vision boards are no exception. Before proceeding with vision boards, we should seek discernment and direction from God through prayer and possibly fasting (if led to by the Holy Spirit), requesting God's will is done in all aspects of our lives and that He will allow the Holy Spirit to direct our paths and plans. We must surrender and accept God's will, even if it may "go against" our desired plans. We must also only look to God's power, not ours…
What a great article! Now I have a question. This year my family and I were going to do a vision board on the 31st. Is this a form of manifestation? Before reading this article I said that word to my kids like were going to manifest what we want for 2021... I will repent and correct myself but is it ok to do?