The law of attraction has become a popular belief in recent years, largely due to books and films like The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
The basic principle of the law of attraction is that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality.
By focusing your thoughts on what you want, you can “manifest” or attract those things into your life.
Many people wonder: is the law of attraction biblical? Can Christians practice the law of attraction and remain faithful to God?
In this post, I’ll explore what the Bible says about the law of attraction and positive thinking.
We’ll look at what scripture teaches and examine whether the law of attraction aligns with a Christian worldview.
What is the Law of Attraction?
The law of attraction is a belief that positive or negative thoughts bring about positive or negative experiences.
In other words, you attract into your life whatever you focus on.
If you think about and truly believe you will get a promotion, for example, the law of attraction says you will get it.
Proponents of the law of attraction believe it is an immutable, universal law that works whether you are aware of it or not.
They believe that our thoughts and feelings emit energy to the universe, which attracts events and circumstances back to us.
The law of attraction has roots in New Thought, a 19th-century spiritual movement that promoted positive thinking and healing.
Popular books like The Secret brought it into the mainstream. Self-help gurus like Oprah Winfrey, Louise Hay, and Wayne Dyer have advocated for it.
Many people practice the law of attraction to try to improve their lives and get what they want by focusing their thoughts and emotions on their desires.
Methods include visualization, affirmations, vision boards, gratitude, and manifestation techniques.
What Does the Bible Say About the Law of Attraction?
The law of attraction, as currently taught, comes from New Age sources. You won’t find the phrase “law of attraction” used directly in the Bible.
However, there are many biblical principles and indirect references that relate to our thoughts and beliefs shaping our lives.
So what exactly does the Bible say about the connection between our mindset and experiences?
1. Ask and It Will Be Given
One of the core teachings of the law of attraction is “ask and you shall receive.” This replicates what Jesus says in Matthew 7:7:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
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The Bible encourages us to bring our desires and requests to God. So rather than asking the universe, we are instructed to make our appeals directly to the Lord:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
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When you align your will with God’s purposes and delight in Him, He promises to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
2. Renewing Your Mind
Proponents of the law of attraction point to verses about the mind and thoughts shaping reality. For instance, Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) says,
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
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However, renewing your mind requires you to align your thoughts with God’s Word, not merely focus on worldly desires:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
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Our minds and thoughts are incredibly important, but they must be grounded in scripture.
Don’t let the world shape how you think but instead, you should think in line with the Bible.
3. Faith and Belief
The law of attraction emphasizes that belief and faith in getting what you want will make it happen.
This echoes biblical verses about the power of faith:
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)
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But again, context matters. Biblical faith centers on trusting in God even when you don’t get what you want:
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
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Your faith should be in God alone not having blind faith that you’ll get whatever you want.
4. Speak Things Into Existence
New Thought philosophy says we can speak things into existence.
The Bible says that when you put your faith in God you can have whatever you say (Mark 11:22-23 NIV).
“22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
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Having faith in God aligns your will with His and thus whatever you say will be according to His will.
Your words do carry power, but only to the extent to which they align with God’s will.
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 (NIV)
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Don’t “declare” anything into being as if you’re in control. Humble yourself before the Lord and surrender your will to His purposes.
5. Gratefulness and Generosity
Practicing gratitude and generosity are biblical principles:
“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
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When you have a grateful heart that freely gives, it changes your perspective.
The law of attraction twists this into a self-focused technique to get what you want rather than genuine gratitude toward God.
6. Asking, Seeking, Knocking
Law of attraction teachers points to verses about asking, seeking, and knocking. But again, the context is asking God.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
biblegateway.com
It’s not about asking the universe or your mind’s power. It’s humbly asking in prayer and trusting God’s will above your own.
8 Dangers of Practicing the Law of Attraction
Although there are some common themes with biblical principles, there are significant dangers of fully embracing the law of attraction from a Christian perspective:
- It promotes a self-centered, “genie in a bottle” approach rather than surrendering to God’s will.
- It ignores and minimizes the reality of suffering and the presence of evil/sin.
- It deifies self and encourages blasphemous notions that we are gods.
- It focuses on materialism, greed, wealth, and earthly desires rather than storing up eternal treasure.
- It relies on New Age philosophies and wrongly emphasizes “unseen spiritual laws” and mysticism.
- It dilutes the true gospel message and the need for repentance and salvation through Christ.
- It offers a false promise of health, wealth, and prosperity for those with enough positive thinking.
- It credits our thoughts and beliefs rather than recognizing God as the ultimate source of every good thing.
A Christian Perspective on the Law of Attraction
The law of attraction, as commonly taught, is incompatible with Christianity.
However, Christians recognize the power of thoughts, words, faith, gratitude, and prayer.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 NIV)
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As Christians, let’s acknowledge the relationship between the mind and positive experiences without embracing unbiblical beliefs.
Here are some keys:
- Focus thoughts on what is pure, true, and excellent vs. wealth and gain.
- Align with God’s will rather than demanding He align to ours.
- Pray to God, not the universe. Don’t seek to manipulate but humbly request.
- Have faith in God, not just faith in getting what you want.
- Practice gratitude toward God, not as a technique to get things.
- Renew your mind with scripture and shun worldly thinking.
- Do not usurp credit but recognize God as the giver of every good gift.
The law of attraction appeals to our fleshly desires for self-glorification. But the Bible calls us to die to self and become more like Christ.
When your desires align with God’s will, He promises that you can ask anything in His name and He will give it to you (John 15:7).
Key Takeaways: Law of Attraction vs. Scripture
- The law of attraction suggests that we can manipulate spiritual laws with our minds. The Bible says we should humble ourselves to God’s sovereign will.
- The law of attraction appeals to selfish worldly desires. Jesus says to seek God’s kingdom first.
- The law of attraction relies on New Age spiritual concepts. The Bible warns against mysticism and sorcery.
- The law of attraction credits self. The Bible says every good gift comes from the Lord.
- The law of attraction preaches wealth, health, and abundance. Jesus offers the richer treasures of salvation and eternal life first then material gain second.
Final thoughts
A Christian should believe in the power of prayer, faith, and a positive mindset but should reject the self-focused law of attraction teachings in favor of complete trust in the Lord.
The law of attraction may seem appealing, but it promotes a self-centered focus.
As Christians, we can hold loosely positive principles like thoughts influencing attitudes, faith, prayer, and gratitude. But we must filter these through the lens of God’s Word rather than New Age deception.
Our thoughts are powerful, but God’s Word is the truth. May we renew our minds in Christ and not conform to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is visualization biblical?
A. Visualization can be harmless imagination but often crosses into unbiblical territory when treated as a technique to manifest desires or put yourself in God’s place.
Q. Is the law of attraction witchcraft?
A. While aspects mimic spellcasting, it is probably more accurate to categorize the law of attraction as New Age philosophy with roots in Gnosticism.
Q. Don’t positive thoughts attract positive outcomes?
A. Our thoughts do affect our attitudes and behaviors. But positive thinking alone does not guarantee outcomes. Christians acknowledge God’s sovereign will above their own will.
Q. Can I practice gratitude as a Christian?
A. Yes, gratitude is very biblical! The key is being grateful to God out of a sincere heart versus treating it like a technique to get what you want.
Q. What does the Bible say about speaking things into existence?
A. The Bible shows only God has this power. We can proclaim truth in alignment with His Word, but cannot “declare” things into being.
Q. Can prayer change things?
A. Absolutely! But prayer is not about demanding your will. It’s humbly bringing your requests before God and trusting His perfect will.
Q. Shouldn’t I have faith that I can do all things through Christ?
A. Yes, but this means finding strength in Him versus blind faith in our desires. The Bible calls us to surrender our will.
Q. Doesn’t God want us to prosper?
A. God cares for our needs but defines true prosperity by spiritual blessings and fruitfulness versus material wealth and abundance.
Q. If I delight in the Lord, won’t He give me the desires of my heart?
A. As we find our deepest delight in the Lord, He aligns our heart’s desires with His perfect will rather than fleeting worldly wants.
