What about affirmations?
Question:
Hello Minister,
I hope you are well! My question is about saying "I am" affirmations. I know that many people in the new age spirituality movement say a lot of affirmations regarding love, beauty, prosperity, etc. However, I am wondering if it is okay for us as Christians to say them as long as they are in alignment with what the Bible says about us. For example "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" over and over each day?
Answer:
"The purpose of positive affirmations is to help you overcome negative thoughts that make you doubt yourself. Daily positive affirmations are meant to minimize negativity and help you see yourself in a positive light. Practicing positive affirmations doesn’t have to mean repeating one phrase repeatedly every day. It’s about affirming yourself and replacing negative thoughts with positive self-talk" [Martin Taylor, "What to Know About Positive Affirmations," WebMD, 8 June 2022.]
Affirmations are basically about creating an optimistic view of life instead of a pessimistic one. It isn't a bad idea. See "How to Stay Positive in a Negative World."
However, people tend to take things to extremes. What we see in the world around us is a belief that if I say something confidently, then that makes what I said so. Your words don't change the world around you. They are only the expression of what you think about the world around you. If you don't believe the words you are saying, then the words are empty. No matter how often you repeat them, they won't change you without belief. This is why faith is essential in Christianity. Not faith in yourself but faith in God. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).
Even when selecting statements from the Bible, it is very easy to forget the context in which they were originally made and apply them to situations for which they were not intended. See "Out of Context."
However, having portions of the Bible memorized greatly helps when we face life.
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:1-6).
"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts and regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word" (Psalms 119:11-16).
Question:
Okay, thank you!
Is it best to memorize Scriptures in proper context with what I’m trying to affirm to myself (that are in God's will for me with the duties He has gifted me with)?
Answer:
Don't limit yourself to only what you currently need, though that is useful and necessary. Learn other parts of the Scriptures to help you teach others and apply them when you face new situations.
Response:
Okay, I will do it! Thank you for clearing up the affirmation part!
