Is it wrong to use words of positive affirmation?

Question: Is it wrong to use words of positive affirmation / positive confession?

Answer: Words of positive affirmation / positive confession in this answer refers to the practice of using certain words or phrases as part of a life philosophy or personal motto to attract positive changes/energy and change one’s life circumstances positively.

Yes, it is wrong to use such kinds of positive affirmation, because this sort of mysticism has its origins in Eastern religions and philosophies – Buddhism, yoga, self improvement and affirmation through positive thinking and similar esoteric philosophies.

Today, when we live in a world of continual stress, it is very attractive (and fashionable) to pick up ideas and practices from yoga, spiritual guides, inner peace and unity with oneself promoters, the law of attraction etc. After all, they seem to have answers to people’s stress and spiritual problems, then why not ‘try it’? Colleagues and neighbours are doing it, movie stars and celebrities are doing it, teachers are doing it, Facebook friends are doing it, it must be worth trying, isn’t it? The reality, however, is not so simple and innocent.

While using words of positive affirmation and positive thinking may sound innocent, the true hidden message behind them is to make us believe that we are good, perfect, whole, have great power to affect our circumstances and possess some kind of hidden potential that we can unlock.

However looking to God’s Word, we know that these things are not from God.  All sort of so-called Christian meditation techniques, Christian yoga, etc., are nothing but Buddhist & other Eastern beliefs wrapped in Christian terminology and outlook.

Yet, so many people, even Christians, today fall for it. We know that the Bible says that the main problem of man is sin. His sin has separated him from God and causes all the problems he faces in life. No amount of self improvement, yoga, positive thinking or ‘Christian’ meditation and ‘union with inner self’ can ever solve this problem. It might help you temporarily in your stress by distracting the mind, but it will never answer the question of your life after death, when you have to face God’s eternal judgment for your sin.

The only way to restore our life and relationship with God is to go to Jesus Christ, because He died and paid the price for our sins. He is ready to forgive our sins if we repent and come into our lives, and bring real lasting peace. Read the Gospel here.

John 14:6, King James Version (KJV)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Dear friend, if this is the kind of positive affirmation is what you seek today for your life, please just pause for a moment and think. God loves you just as you are. You do not have to try to look good before Him. He created you and He wants to have a relationship with you and to bring peace and restoration to your life.

If you already know Him as your Saviour, then do not look into “other gardens” thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. God will satisfy every spiritual need that your soul is longing for. Even though you might lack confidence in yourself or your abilities – remember all the wonderful promises and the everlasting love He has given to His children. You are his beloved child and his love for you does not depend on who you are or what you do, but on what He has done for you.

Psalm 23, King James Version (KJV)

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.