If you’re like me, The Secret and other books on the Law of Attraction seem fascinating. But, how do those theories of finding joy and getting exactly what you want fit into your religious beliefs? I was a bit concerned at first. I mean, if I could get whatever I wanted stepping right into my life, what about all the psychos out there attracting victims into theirs?! And, how about God not just giving us everything we want in order to let us learn and grow?

My purpose here is to share what I have come to discover after months of reading everything I could find on the subject of the law of attraction as compared to my traditional Christian beliefs.

First of all, what about all of those things I (you) sincerely wanted, and even prayed for that never materialized? Well, according to religious beliefs-God saw a higher, better purpose. According to the Law of Attraction, your unconscious beliefs may have been getting in the way, or your desires were not in alignment with our true self. It took me a while to realize that these beliefs or principles are in perfect sync with each other. If your desires come from your ego, you either wont get what you desire, or when you do, you will be greatly disappointed.

Second, The Secret says basically to fake it till you make it in regard to your emotional state. At first glance this too seems a little backward. After a deeper look, it goes right along with the age old teaching of gratitude. Be grateful for where you are, and what you have, and you will receive more. Use your talents, abilities, and gifts to serve and be happy and God provides more. Hey, Im starting to like this whole new aged approach to timeless principles!

Third is faith. We’ve all heard of that. Some grasp and practice it daily. Though the new aged approaches may call it something different, it is a key component. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” I think we can all relate to this to a certain extent. Believing in something, and allowing the feelings of hope, love, joy and anticipation in will fast forward our righteous desires to us.

Finally, the whole point in anyone’s life is to find joy and meaning. This looks different for everyone, and everyone can find it. Happiness could be working alone in your garden, lunch with a friend, dinner with your family, or new shoes that actually feel good. Purpose is just a matter of finding joy along your way. Being happy, regardless of circumstance. Both avenues of thought teach that this is ironically when the “things” you want may materialize. But, if they don’t you are still happy. It’s kind of refreshing that these new “out there” philosophies are just a re-vamp of traditional Christian beliefs.

It’s surprisingly refreshing that however you find this fitting into your beliefs, the teachings are really the same…God/universe, gratitude/positive thought, talents/source energy, child of God/part of the universe. Truth is truth is truth.