In 2007, I was introduced to a film titled “The Secret”, which is based on the best selling self-help book by Rhonda Byrne. It popularized the concept of the Law of Attraction and suggests that thoughts can influence events. The book expounds on the Law of Attraction, demonstrating how our thoughts and feelings can manifest our desires and how by focusing on positive thoughts, individuals can bring about positive changes in their lives.
The film was an important part of how “The 47 Experience” became a reality. After watching, it set my life in a new direction. I immediately began manifesting and attracting. It was amazing how perfectly and precise a thought can manifest into reality. I began to master my emotions (not easy) and I learned how to emit powerful positive thoughts. Every time I would think of something specifically while in the right mindset my thoughts would manifest into my reality. It was both intriguing and unsettling, ultimately sparking a deeper interest in the Bible and drawing me closer to God.
I quickly realized wealth and power would inflate my ego and create a false sense of superiority. I was extremely concerned because I knew I wasn’t prepared to have true wealth. Even though I wanted to attract earthly possessions, my true desires were to gain knowledge and wisdom. I wanted to get a comprehensive grasp of the concept before embarking on the creation of my ideal reality. I wanted to use this gift wisely, avoiding the pitfalls of materialism. This led me to make the conscious decision to do as King Solomon, who famously requested wisdom from God rather than wealth or power. His request impressed God, who granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor.
‘God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ‘
1 Kings 4:29
I specifically want knowledge and wisdom on health and wealth. This led me down a path that has been essential to my existence. The reason I wanted health wisdom was because just a few years before my wife at the time and I had witnessed her Tio Marco pass away of liver cancer at the age of 47. The experience of watching a loved one die affected me greatly and I put a thought out to help me understand health more. Soon after I began to discover so many truths about health and the wellness industry (The truth shall set you free). I became a conscious consumer it has helped me stay healthy all these years.
When it came to wealth I learned so much as well from teachers such a Robert Kyosaki, Jim Rohn, Brain Tracy, Ogg Mandino and many more.
In essence, The Secret uses that same teaching as the Bible, while using different terms. When it refers to “manifesting thoughts” it is basically telling you to pray, minus the worshiping. This was done as to not specifically associate the book to any specific religion or ideology. This kept the book in the self- help genre and not religion therefore helping it reach a wider audience. The title “The Secret” is primarily a marketing ploy used to help attract people to the book or film. In reality it’s no secret at all. Moreover, any Christian familiar with the teachings of Jesus will find familiar concepts in the book.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:6
Many will come to me claiming that the secret teaches materialism and greed. This claim is warranted, but it is essential to understand that God and his angels will utilize any available tool to facilitate spiritual growth. Telling someone not to do something they believe is helpful directly infringes on their free will. Infringing on someone’s spiritual free will is a complex issue with potential far-reaching consequences.
“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