The Mistake of Manafesting

Manifesting: A Misguided Practice for Christians

When we are looking at clarity in our change management method it can be really tempting to use manafesting to get clear on what you want. This is dangerous and Ill adviced here's why. 

In recent years, the practice of "manifesting" has gained popularity in self-help circles and on social media. Manifesting, as commonly understood, involves visualizing one’s desires and believing that positive thoughts or energies can bring these desires into reality. While this may sound appealing, it raises significant concerns for Christians. Far from being harmless, manifesting is a practice that can subtly lead believers away from God’s truth and purpose.

The Roots of Manifesting

The concept of manifesting is often rooted in New Age philosophy, which borrows ideas from Eastern mysticism, the law of attraction, and various occult practices. These belief systems typically center on the idea that humans possess the power to shape their reality through thought or energy. By visualizing success, wealth, relationships, or health, proponents claim individuals can “attract” these things into their lives.

At its core, manifesting places the emphasis on human effort and control over circumstances. This directly conflicts with the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty and the Christian’s dependence on Him.

Biblical Contradictions

1. God’s Sovereignty

Manifesting assumes that individuals can control their destiny through their own will or positive energy. Scripture, however, teaches that God alone is sovereign over creation. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” To believe that we can dictate the course of our lives undermines our reliance on God and His perfect will.

2. The Danger of Self-Centeredness

Manifesting often promotes a self-focused mindset, prioritizing personal desires over God’s purpose. Yet, Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23). The Christian life is not about fulfilling our every desire but about seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

3. Prayer vs. Manifestation

Manifesting blurs the line between prayer and manipulation. While prayer involves humbly bringing our requests before God and submitting to His will, manifesting seeks to impose our own will. The Bible warns against treating God like a vending machine or seeking methods to manipulate Him for personal gain.

4. Idolatry of the Self

Manifesting can lead to idolizing one’s own desires and abilities. Romans 1:25 speaks of those who “exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” When we place our trust in our own power to manifest outcomes, we risk placing ourselves in God’s rightful position as the ultimate authority.

Spiritual Consequences

Engaging in manifesting may seem harmless, but it opens the door to spiritual deception. By embracing principles rooted in New Age and occult philosophies, Christians risk compromising their faith. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle against forces of darkness. Practices like manifesting can subtly lead believers away from the truth of the gospel and into spiritual confusion.

What Christians Should Do Instead

1. Trust God’s Will

Christians are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

2. Pray for Guidance

Instead of attempting to manifest outcomes, believers should pray for God’s wisdom and direction. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving and trust that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

3. Seek Contentment in Christ

True contentment comes not from achieving worldly success but from abiding in Christ. As Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

4. Discernment in Spiritual Practices

Christians must exercise discernment and evaluate practices against the truth of Scripture. If a practice contradicts God’s Word or leads us away from Him, we must reject it, no matter how popular it may be.

Conclusion

Manifesting may appear enticing, offering control and success through positive thinking. However, for Christians, it is a dangerous deviation from faith in God. As followers of Christ, our focus should remain on seeking God’s will, trusting in His sovereignty, and surrendering our desires to Him. By doing so, we honor God and find true peace and fulfillment in His plan for our lives.

Let us remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” True hope and fulfillment come not from manifesting, but from walking in faithful obedience to our Creator.