"…for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." (Proverbs 8:11)
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Make a You-Turn

Some years ago, I was really into astrology. I mean, REALLY into astrology. I had a shelf full of books on the subject, I attended workshops to learn how to interpret the movement of the planets, and I would spend hours on the Internet creating astrological charts based on the birthdates of friends and family members.

astrological-chartSince that time, I have of course come to realize that astrology — like so many mystical and New Age teachings — is a load of bunk. But, for a number of years, it held enormous appeal for me, because it helped quell my anxieties.

Astrology made me feel powerful; it gave me a sense of control. If I could just interpret the stars correctly, I would know what was coming at me — I could be prepared. Computer crashed? Must be the planet Mercury rising. Challenges communicating with a co-worker? It’s because they were born under a constellation that makes them bullheaded and proud. (Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with my attitude.)

All of this came to mind recently when I saw the description for a group on Facebook called the New Thought Movement.

newthoughtmovementAccording to Wikipedia, the New Thought Movement “is comprised of a loosely allied group of denominations, organizations, authors, philosophers, and individuals who share a set of metaphysical beliefs concerning healing, life force, visualization, and personal power…. It promotes the ideas that God is all powerful and ubiquitous, spirit is the totality of real things, true human self-hood is divine, divine thought is a force for good, all sickness originates in the mind, and ‘right thinking’ has a healing effect.”

In other words, it promotes the idea that we, as humans, hold divine power — that we can be God simply by “right thinking”.

tarot-cardLike astrology, Tarot, and Wicca, the New Thought Movement — and so many other mystical teachings — offer believers a sense of control and empowerment by promising that they can know and do things beyond normal human ability, whether through controlling their thoughts or casting spells or interpreting the signs correctly.  By working the magic formula, we can govern our environment, the people around us, and diseases that plague our bodies.

(Why do you think the Harry Potter series is so wildly popular? Wouldn’t we all like to discover our secret wizardly abilities?)

The truth is, we do have the power to heal our bodies and to achieve our goals and to receive immeasurable blessings in our life. But, that power is in Christ Jesus — not in our minds or our will or mystical practices.

Scripture tells us in Matthew 24:11 that in the last days, “many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.” Of course, mystical teachings are nothing new, and who knows whether we are in the last days. But Jesus and his disciples repeatedly caution Christ’s followers not to be deceived or led astray.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)

That last line is the clincher: They refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

passion-of-the-christThere is really just one answer to this riddle called life. There is one truth — not many truths, not variations of the truth. One truth.

But, guess what? When we put our faith in Christ Jesus, he gives us the power and authority we so deeply desire. He hears our prayers and works miracles in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we can heal the sick and raise the dead. And, God promises to pour out his blessings on his people — as long as we are walking in his will and are obedient to his commands.

Obedience. Submission. If we are willing to give up control and put our faith in something outside of ourselves — something far greater — then we DO have power. We have authority. We have salvation. And we have eternal life.

4 comments

1 @TraciKnoppe { 01.07.09 at 11:10 am }

Excellent post Leslie! I wholeheartedly agree! I will go one step further that we need to be mindful of a great number of things in the world that want to lure us, even popular or seemingly ‘powerful’ figures or TV personalities. They are mere humans – subject to failure in understanding God’s word and misconstruing His plan and purpose or twisting it for their own purposes.

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

2 Dr. Mommy { 01.07.09 at 11:15 am }

I am so glad that you came to the realization that Christ is the only way…I too was lost for a couple of years. I mainly blamed God for the death of my mother, but again I was being selfish. I couldn’t let go and now I realize that it was the best for her and God knew this not me. I am a devote Christian and true believer that all is possible when we have Faith in the Lord and not in ourselves. Great post!!

3 Mom Of Faith { 01.17.09 at 9:49 am }

Your dh directed me to your site…It looks great. and I agree with everything said in this post. Been there. Done that. I was raised in a devoutly Christian home…I tried Wiccan, New Age, and Tarot…hoping one would give me control and the peace I so wnted. None did. The only peace I have found comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Keep the Faith.

4 Susan { 11.09.11 at 2:33 am }

Thank you, Leslie.