“Vibe it in!”
“Speak it into existence.”
“I manifested that.”
Each of these phrases may sound benign enough, but their actual meaning is not rooted in anything Biblical. Yes, throughout both the Old Testament and New Testament, we may find specific instances in which the writer or writers speak about the power of words. However, what Christians must be aware of is the context of many of these statements.
Biblical wisdom literature often notes the power of words. Proverbs 12:18 tells its readers that “there is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Additionally, Proverbs 18:21 notes that words can have the power of life and death.
In James’s letters to the twelve tribes of Israel, we find warnings about how our words should be used. James writes, “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6)
Through these examples and others, we can reasonably infer that words do have power. But we must ask, “Do words actually have the power to bring something into being?” “Can we speak or think something into existence?”
The answer is simple: If you are God, then yes, words absolutely do have the power to create something from nothing. Scripture affirms this power, noting that God spoke creation into being. Further, we find that Jesus is the Word or the Logos. John begins his gospel by writing, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John, of course, is discussing Jesus, his divine role both in creation and as a part of the Trinity. Additionally, scripture affirms itself as the word of God, and makes statements about its power. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
While God’s words have the power to create, and human words certainly can have power over life and death, we must focus on nuance when considering the concept of ‘manifesting.’ If our human words have some source of power, can they actually make something out of nothing? When it comes to the concept of manifestation, unfortunately, we must deduce that, no, we cannot simply speak something into existence.
This is the great problem with philosophical and spiritual movements that promote the concept of ‘manifesting.’ To better understand why ‘manifesting’ cannot really work, we must first understand what manifesting means.
What Is the Root of ‘Manifesting?’
The concept of ‘manifestation’ has roots in the 19th-century New Thought spiritual movement. This idea of manifesting reality through thought has been coined the “law of attraction” and can be traced back to ancient spiritual practices, often found in Hinduism. Many New Age practices have adopted the concept as well and promote it as a unifying faction of the mind, body, and universe.
Manifestation is often presented as the power that humans possess as conscious beings to influence our realities through our subconscious thoughts and beliefs. Manifestation is ultimately the idea of bringing something you want into existence through aspirational-thought practices. This might look as simple as getting a new job, meeting a health goal, or finding a partner in life. What people are often ‘manifesting’ might really just be something that they created through goal-setting, disciple, hard work, networking, and, if they are Christians, prayer.
Certainly, it is rare that someone can ‘manifest’ something without doing a fair amount of legwork on the back end. And, if something miraculous does occur, there is absolutely no viable proof that it happened as a direct consequence of “thinking something into being.” In the case of the miraculous, it makes far more sense to credit an all-powerful being outside of ourselves. In this case, wisdom would dictate that we credit the Creator of the universe rather than some arbitrary nonsensical force such as ‘the universe.’
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Is There Any Scientific Proof That Manifesting Works?
There is no scientific evidence that manifestation automatically makes dreams come true, but some research suggests positive mindsets can have positive outcomes. One study found that imagining a hypothetical event can help individuals to develop a better action plan for how to make that event happen—again, this could be something as small as a health goal or as big as purchasing a new house. What people are attempting to ‘manifest’ really does range the gamut.
In 2022 the Mayo Clinic posted its findings on positive thought patterns and noted that positive thinking often starts with self-talk. “Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information or expectations due to preconceived ideas of what may happen.”
Mayo’s findings actually affirm something that a Christian already knows: not only do our words have power, but so do our thoughts. To the church in Corinth, Paul writes, “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:5). To the church Philippi, he writes, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8). And to the church in Rome, he writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
Something Better Than Manifesting
The world is begging for something that Christianity long ago solved. It is hungering for the ability to engage with the divine and create systemic improvements in our own lives. We may have a desire to ‘manifest’ because, in a way, it means that we’re engaging in creating healthy changes to our lives and sometimes even the lives of others. This desire for improvement might come from a pure and humble place; however, if the maximum of our efforts is stored in ‘manifesting’ and placing our hope in some unfeeling and uncaring cosmic force, then ultimately, we will come to the end of ourselves.
To be painfully clear, there is no true hope in manifestation. There is no true hope in casting our words and efforts out into the abyss. There will be no true return on our investment. However, there is incredible hope in the Word, the Logos. When we partner ourselves with Jesus Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to take up residence in our hearts, minds, and souls. This partnership is truly transformative, and does indeed have the power to enact real change in our lives.
In Timothy 6:20, Paul warns Timothy against “new knowledge,” writing, “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge.” This warning was against the heresy Gnosticism, which was being presented within factions of the early church as a deeper level of spiritual understanding.
Today, in churches, small groups, and Christian circles, ideas such as manifesting have crept into the language and worldview of many. In the same way that Paul warned Timothy to be on guard, Christians today must take heed and keep a watchful eye as seemingly small heresies sneak their way into our worldview.
Therefore we must “be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5). As we find ourselves wanting to create something better in our lives or the lives of the people we know and love, the best thing that we can do is submit ourselves to the Creator of the universe, ask our hearts to become His, and ask that He guide our steps. God has a much bigger plan for His creation, and it is safe to say that plan is greater than anything we could dream up.
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Rachel Baker is the author of Deconstructed, a Bible study guide for anyone who feels overwhelmed or ill-equipped to study the word of God. She is a pastor’s wife and director of women’s ministries, who believes in leading through vulnerability and authenticity. She is a cheerleader, encourager, and sometimes drill-sergeant. She serves the local church alongside her husband, Kile, in Northern Nevada. They have two amazing kiddos and three dogs. Rachel is fueled by coffee, tacos, and copious amounts of cheese. For more on her and her resources to build your marriage, see her website: www.rachelcheriebaker.com or connect with her on Instagram at @hellorachelbaker.
