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How To Choose Christian Self-Help Books Today, you can find a book on
just about any self-help subject you can imagine. We all have
questions about how to face the challenges of daily life in complicated
times. And there are plenty of people willing to write books to provide
us with answers.
Some books are grounded in Biblical principles. Some
books are not necessarily written from a Christian perspective, but can
be useful if they are not contrary to scripture. Some books
appear to be written from a Christian perspective, but upon study, do
not follow Scripture. And some are blatantly contrary to the Bible. But
how do you know if the book is written from a perspective that helps
us be
stronger in our faith?
Ultimately, you have to be the judge of how well the information and perspective of the author aligns with your Christian journey. Here is a comparison of the two views, and some basic questions to ask that may be helpful in deciding:
Christian BooksChristian books are based on the premise that God made us exactly as He intended and to make judgment on this defies Him as our creator. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God, but Jesus paid our debt and essentially fixed us or saved us from ourselves. The focus then is on addressing any issues that may block us from our relationship with Jesus. The goal then is to decrease our sense of self and increase our sense of being vessels through which the Holy Spirit can do the work of Jesus. The approach of these books is, “God made me exactly as He intended. How can I heal my hurts and grow into the person He desires me to be to fulfill His commandments?”16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:16-21 NLT 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:1 NKJV 3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth . 1 John 2:3-4 NLT Wordly/Secular Books...Are sometimes based on the premise that we are in a position to judge whetheror not we are adequate? Also, they are based on the idea that if we make some change we then become worthy. The goal is increasing our sense of self-worth and consequently, our standing in the world. The main questions they attempt to answer are, “What is wrong with me? How can I make myself better fit into the world?”
Christian Books...Assume that God has already fixed us through Jesus, and has a plan for each of us. But he will provide us any help we need to deal with life’s challenges including putting people/tools in our lives at the right time. Our job is to ask and then listen to His wisdom and His will for us.4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:4-5 Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17 NKJV Wordly/Secular Books...Also tend to assume that we have to power to fix ourselves asking, “How can I take control and fix myself/my problem?”
Christian Books...Sources take the approach that while people can share knowledge, experience and hope with each other, as humans we are limited in our ability and cannot see all the possibilities. Only God and the Bible are the defining authority. To believe otherwise is contrary to scripture that warns us to “18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”[ 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 NKJVWordly/Secular Books...Often take the approach that there is a person who has the answer and their work is the guidebook. Their approach is the best and the author is the defining authority on the subject. While the author’s expertise may provide valuable information, no human is the defining authority on anything. This lends itself to the guru effect. One person or human approach becoming idolized as the way to solve a problem.
Christian Books...Focus on our relationship with Jesus, with God’s Word and on working out life issues in the body of Christ including receiving challenging feedback, even chastening from others if necessary.Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Gal 6:1 NKJV Wordly/Secular Books...Tend to focus us on a relationship with a book or author. Individually and privately, we can read the information and make changes without anyone knowing and without any negative feedback from others
Christian Books...Are based on the belief that our true success is in accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior who has given us eternal life. They are written with the goal of finding humility and grace before earthly accomplishments. And in fact, assume that the more worldly successes we achieve, the more difficult it is to accept our need for God.15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15=17 NLT Clothe yourself with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 And finally, worldly books focus our attention on other humans or human relationships as the standard by which we measure our selves. Wordly/Secular Books...Are based on the belief that our success in life is based on success in earthly roles and affairs. These self-help books then are written with the goal of gaining worldly stature and riches.
Christian Books...Focus our attention on Jesus as the standard for all of our behavior.12We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 2 Cor 10:12 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 NLT Wordly/Secular Books...Focus our attention on other humans or human relationships as the standard by which we measure our selves.QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:
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