Lorraine Grant asked:




With all the discussion lately about the Law of Attraction and the success of the book, The Secret, many people are wondering if these principles conflict with the teachings of the Bible. This article will highlight why they are compatible, show you what Bible verses support the law of attraction, and encourage you to change the way you think.

WHAT DOES THE LAW OF ATTRACTION MEAN?

In the simplest terms, the Law of Attraction says you will have that which you think about the most. So, if you dwell on positive things, you will experience even more positive things. If you dwell on negative things, you will experience more negative things. Let’s see how this lines up with what the Bible teaches.

THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philipians 4:8

So, here we have the Bible instructing us to think about things that are positive. However, this particular verse doesn’t say why. Let’s see if we can find any passages that give us a clue as to why we should think about positive things.

THE EFFECTS OF THOUGHT

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

The above verse from Proverbs shows that our thoughts create who we become. As we think, so we are. If our thoughts have that much impact on our lives, then we better give some attention to them. But, how do we know what our thoughts are? Thought happens on such a subconscious level that we’re often not even aware of it. So, how do we know if we are thinking about good things?

WHAT WE THINK IS HOW WE SPEAK

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:35

A true test of what our predominant thoughts are is to listen to the way we talk. Whatever is in your heart (your thoughts), will come out of your mouth. The scriptures have a lot to say about our tongues and the need to tame them.

SPEECH DIRECTS OUR LIVES

For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. James 3:2-4

Again, this scripture is showing the relationship between our words and the direction our lives take. They are connected in a way that cannot be undone. We cannot speak carelessly and think it won’t have a profound effect on our lives. Because, what we speak is what we think. And what we speak is the direction our lives will take.

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith Mark 11:23

The above scripture clinches it all for me. It shows a clear relationship between what we say, what we believe in our heart (our thoughts) and what will occur in our lives. If we say positive things while at the same time truly believing they will come to pass — then they will.

THOUGHTS ARE SEEDS WE SOW

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:7-9

Whatever we sow, we can expect to reap. This is true in natural things, as well. If we plant a watermelon seed, we expect a watermelon to grow, right? We don’t expect a pumpkin to grow. Why would it be any different with our thoughts? If we sow positive thoughts, we can expect to reap positive things. If we sow negative thoughts, we should expect to reap negative things. But, this suggests that our thoughts are seeds. Does the scripture support this? Yes, it does:

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:13

Obviously, the loins are the place of creation — the source for seed. So, when Peter is encouraging the early church to “gird up the loins of your mind,” he’s telling them to protect their thoughts — to remain sober and full of hope.

CONCLUSION

These teachings certainly support what the Law of Attraction says, so there does not appear to be any conflict between the principles of the Law of Attraction and the principles of the Bible. As has happened in the past, people can take these principles and try to mold them into something to suit themselves, rather than what God has for their lives. These principles work for the believers and unbelievers alike, just as it rains on the just and the unjust. The difference being that the believer’s life should be submitted to God and their ears should be listening to His voice to direct their paths. A submitted believer should have no conflict between what the Bible teaches and what the Law of Attraction teaches.

The Law of Attraction