The Unlikely Power of the “Law of Attraction”

msjbobby asked a question:

Hi! May you share your thoughts regarding the law of attraction related to Christianity? At some point, it’s true that God asks us to be grateful for all things, ask for things we want, and have faith so strong that it could move the mountain. But really, what do you think?

Hey dear friend, as far as I know, I don’t believe the Law of Attraction can really mesh with Christianity all too well. As for me, I don’t always feel like my faith can move a mountain, much less a mole hill.

The Law of Attraction says “like attracts like,” so that if you want something bad enough, it will be drawn to you. I might be simplifying it, but that seems to be the whole concept in a sentence.

There’s a little bit of truth to this, as with all philosophies. If you’re a constantly negative person, then of course, it will cut off opportunities and disregard positive people. If you’re a constantly optimistic person, then the hard times can be handled with poise and perspective.

The problem with many of these self-help philosophies is that they will never work in impoverished areas and third world countries. That’s always my first test. Most bestsellers with a “prosperity” message only work for a certain demographic. My friend, who used to do music gigs for Scientologists, used to say, “You don’t see Scientology centers in the ghetto.” They have exorbitantly high costs to be a member.

Some days, you can do everything right and you’ll still fail. Some days, you can do everything wrong and you’ll still be blessed. We live in a fractured universe where nothing is as fair as it ought to be — but because of God’s grace, it’s also not as bad as it ought to be.

Of course, work hard. Listen well. Stay humble. Smile a lot. Pray audacious prayers. But when life blows up, it doesn’t mean we did something wrong. When we get success, it doesn’t mean we’re better than everyone else. Our relationship with God isn’t contingent on what happens outside us, but what remains pouring through us.

— J.S.