I Tivo Oprah but don’t watch it every day. Last night I finally watched the episode about “The Secret”. I’ve been writing this post in my head since I finished the show.
In case you didn’t see it, The Secret is a book/dvd about getting the life you’ve always wanted. Oprah had 4 leaders/teachers who believe in “The Secret” there as a panel. The book’s foundation is “The Law of Attraction”. It claims that what you put out you attract. The guys on the panel were talking about some energy mumbo jumbo that I can’t explain correctly. But one of the girls gave a great example. She said the Universe is like a restaurant. You place your order; “I’ll have a burger with fries.” And you expect to get that back, exactly the way you ordered it. So, if you say, “My family’s always got drama.” Then, you are placing that order and that is *exactly* what you will receive. But if you say, “I’m a successful, creative woman.” then that is what you’ll receive.
They talked about how your thoughts and words can build you up or tear you down. They talked about forgiveness being something that will truly set you free…about gratitude opening up your life for more blessing…about accepting, believing and receiving the things you desire…about being deserving of good things… about experiencing true joy in your life. And oh! I believe every bit of that. There is not one thing in that list that I disagree with…but I have to disagree with EVERYTHING Oprah and this panel said because they missed out on one key element: God. Not energy-God. Not “the Presence”. Not we’re-all-god. But God, the Creator and Author of life.
Well, what’s the difference? If “positive thinking” helps you get good things in your life, who cares if it has to do with God or not? For me, there’s a huge difference. On Oprah, they kept talking about how we were just energy and good energy is attracted to each other. They also kept referencing ME, MYSELF, how *I* can do it. The focus is not on an eternal, loving Heavenly Father who desires to pour out so many blessings we cannot contain it, but on the works & deeds of little old me.
I know I’m not saying this how I want to. It’s just that this IS NOT a secret. God has this all laid out in His Word (the Bible). It made me think of Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” See, as Christians we have GOD’S mighty power working within us and HIS power will accomplish INFINITELY more than we could even ask God for or think about in our minds.
The followers of “The Secret” are so focused on what energy they are putting out of their minds–this is a smaller, weaker and more base kind of power. Why use energy when we can have the actual power of God at work in our lives?!
The author of “The Secret”, Rhonda Byrne made a comment that sums it all up for me. It is also the byline on her blog. She said, “The Secret brings joy to the world.” But Ms. Bryne is wrong. The One that brings real joy to the world is Jesus. Angels proclaimed it on the day of his birth, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…” (Luke 2:10-11). Real joy is no secret, it comes from Jesus.
A final quote from CS Lewis: God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.
Wow! You wrote exactly what I was thinking. I agree with you 100%. I have had several calls expressing how wonderful the show was. But when you take God out of the answer, then the answer isn’t an answer at all-it’s deception.
Amanda, I could not agree with you more. Love the Scriptures and the quote – there is no true joy without Jesus. Enjoyed your thoughts! 🙂
I think it was called the “Secret” because as Christians, we do not always let our lights shine. We do not actual practice what Jesus has taught us. God is the universe. Are we truly praising God the way we should, which is more than the clapping of hands and stomping of feet, are we grateful for all that He has done for us. When we let our light shine, we shall the world that our God is not a secret, and that He is merciful and just.
Absolutely. But it leaves a sad question in my mind. Do we as christians even live to a third of Gods promises. Walk around and see christians settled in misery and THINK that that is God’s desire for us. If God is our father, what is this that we shall ask and it becomes more than he can supply. Surely, there is no greater love than a man laying down his life for a friend. What now shall we say about God supplying to all our needs acording to his riches in glory, WHAT? Let us not forget tese GOLDEN words in Romans 8:38-39… it’s all abt love.
I totally agree Alfahari. This is why the show was so sad. People are disillusioned by Christians and church and don’t live in the provision/abundance/blessings/love/joy that God has promised and already provided. It’s not a secret, but you’re right, it has been ignored by Christians. They’ve forgotten.
Amanda – LOVE YOUR BLOG! I’m so glad you finally started one. I’ve been meaning to comment and let you know I’m reading, but life has been so crazy lately. I want to comment on this post too, but Tim and I are having an impromptu date (woot woot!) so I gotta get ready but I will be back – just wanted to let you know I’m reading and enjoying it!!!
Thanks so much for this post! You are so right. It is amazing to me how Oprah and her colleges come soo close but not really embracing the truth God has for them. I love your Lewis quote.
Thanks also for your kind words on my Crafty Daisies post.
The kingdom of God is within us ALL–not just christians. We are ALL the vehicles of this manifestation. There is always the light and dark. Embrace it all, for i think you are missing the point.
Yes, The Secret is awesome!
Life changing stuff…. to be sure.
I have written simple little instructions on how to download Oprah and The Secret… here: http://brucewagner.wordpress.com/2007/02/17/oprah-and-the-secret/
Bruce
I think Christ sums it all up for us in Matthew 24: 4 when he says not to be d3eceived for MANY will come in my name saying ‘I am the Christ’ (God in human flesh) and they will deceive many. That is such a huge sign of where we are in the season of our Lord’s return. While we do not know the day nor the hour, we can see the season of his return is ripe and getting riper everyday.Read 1 Thessaloninas 5. Then Go to lighthousetrails.com and order
For Many Shall Come in my Name and A Time of Departing both by Ray Yungen.
Well, look up for our redemption is near and our works will be viewed for eternal worth and rewards and positions in the kingdom of our Lord shall be granted. Work hard brothers and sisters in Christ and be prepared for out call.
understandthetimes.org with Oakland is a good 3-5 commentary on current events and olivetreeviews.org with Markel (archives) is good. Be informed. Thanks