Hop off the ‘manifesting’ bandwagon: 6 Scriptures that defy the myth of personal manifestation
Article By Gabrielle Parker // Biblical Wisdom // EEW Magazine Online
If I hear one more person say they are about to manifest something, I think I may scream! The bogus doctrine of personal manifestation teaches you to intentionally think, act, and live in a way that gets you whatever you want. In my view, it’s a lot like the Law of Attraction.
Those who ascribe to this belief claim that anyone can manifest anything whether that be a loving relationship, a mansion, money, a luxury car, a six-figure salary, or even a multimillion-dollar business. There is no limit to what you can have, they assert.
Manifestation gurus say all you need to do is a few basic things like: Be clear about what you want; Create a plan and execute; Get rid of self-limiting beliefs; Be grateful and radically kind; Raise your vibration (state of being, the atmosphere, or the energy of a person, place, thought, or thing); and look for signs of confirmation. If you do all these things, supposedly the universe will conspire to give you the life of your wildest dreams!
Skrrt. That’s the sound of tires screeching and my way of saying, hold up. Wait one minute. Manifestation is a load of hogwash!
While all the teaching is not bad on its face, since, for example, everyone should aspire to be kind and grateful, the principles do not necessarily lead to the promised outcome.
If just any old body could manifest the life of their dreams by taking the above-listed steps, a lot more people would be fulfilled and well-off. But, alas, mass manifestation has not happened because it is nothing more than a pipe dream. It’s baffling to see how many Christians have even tragically bought into this myth as well.
Good thing the Bible is the best myth-buster in town. It goes directly against the teaching of personal manifestation, because seeking to manifest our own desires puts us at odds with the plan and purpose of God. Scripture tells us that our goal should be to fulfill the will of the Father and bring His name glory. This is bad news for those who want things to go their way, because God’s will rarely aligns with our wants.
Sorry to have to be the party pooper, folks.
In case you have been lured in by the phony doctrine of personal manifestation, here are 6 Scriptures to debunk it and get you back on the right track.
#1 God determines your path. “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:6
#2 Like Jesus, you must submit to a higher authority. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Luke 22:42
#3 God’s plans, not yours will come to pass. “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
#4 God performs His word, not your declarations. “The Lord said to me … I am watching over my word to perform it.” – Jeremiah 1:12
#5 The clay does not advise the Potter. “And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8
#6 Your destiny is predetermined by God. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10
If someone has not done their due diligence and builds doctrines based on a cursory examination of what the Bible teaches, they will come away with false ideologies.
Be careful about who and what you follow and to what beliefs you subscribe. Otherwise, you will be led astray by bogus doctrines.
Your prayer should be, “God, manifest Your will, not mine.”
