"The Secret " Law of Attraction - Is There Anything to It?

I'm sure you've heard of the huge success of the book "The Secret" and it's corresponding philosophy called the "Law of Attraction".  "The Secret" has sold over 6 million copies and in fact, both Oprah and Larry King discussed it on their shows. So what's all this hullabaloo about anyway?

The law of attraction is the name given to the belief that "like attracts like" and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can attract things into one's life. This philosophy of thought originated with the New Thought movement that spawned such religions as Religious Science, Unity Church, and the Church of Divine Science. It is based upon the belief that people and their thoughts are energy and that like energy attracts like energy. Interesting, huh?

Yeah, that's what I thought when I came upon some fast talking dude on a youtube video last night extolling the benefits of this process, and well, I just had to blog about it at 4:30 am.

Let's just assume for a moment that there is some truth to this whole phenomenon. Let's say we are made of energy and so are our thoughts and we do tend to attract what we think about. This concept is actually somewhat biblical when you read the Apostle Paul's advice to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure and lovely (Phil 4:8) and to have done with all evil thoughts. However, that is where the resemblance stops.

Coming from a Christian perspective, my question is this: "Where does God's will fit into the picture?" Sure, we can think about all kinds of things we want to attract into our lives, and they may or may not manifest themselves. In fact, Wayne Dyer, the international speaker and best selling author has a book on this topic called "Manifesting Your Destiny: The Nine Spiritual Principles for Getting Everything You Want". Now, isn't that a catchy title? It would capture most anyone's attention.

It seems to me that the law of attraction is all about ME ME ME - what I want, what I desire and leaves God completely out of the equation, right? Now, I admit, it is tempting (notice the use of that word) to believe we can THINK things into our lives, and we may well be able to do so. However, I believe we are playing with FIRE when we try to take things into our own hands, outside the will of God. Remember the story of Sarah and Abraham and look where that one poor decision got us - years of Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

I don't know about you, but I want the BEST that God has for me AND I am willing to put ALL my trust in HIM and no one else, including my selfish wants & desires. What about you? What are you desiring in your life? What are you willing to do to get it? Will you compromise and settle or will you trust in God?  Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Love to hear what you have to say about this post. I'm sure it will stimulate some discussion. Until next time, keep the faith and keep looking up!