Suburband Legends: "The Secret"

Series: Suburban Legends
“The Secret” by John Burke May 6, 2007

The context for today’s message was the popular book The Secret that claims there is a spiritual law in the universe that anyone can tap into to bring them anything they want: Your thoughts will “attract” what you want to you. While “The Secret” is one of the latest things among pop-culture “seekers” today, this is certainly not the first incarnation of a “magic” remedy to solve all life’s problems – an insiders’ “answer” …AND all you need to do is write the check, attend the seminar series, buy the book, the DVD, yadda yadda … and you will have a perfect life of wealth and happiness.

1. OK we’ve all heard these stories before. Let’s start with the “why”. Why do you think these quick-fix, easy-answer “plans” for happiness are so common-place, both now and in the past? Spend a few minutes talking about why they are promoted and why they are accepted. (10 minutes)

2. Now, what about different versions of “the Secret”: Are there any other specific “programs” that you are aware of that promise to give people a no-fail, “easy” answer to whatever they seek? Talk a little bit about different variations of “the Secret”. What do they promise and how are people supposed to get there? Do you see any patterns in these different “solutions”? Try to note as many things as they have in common as you can – along with the different of promises/answers they claim to have. (10 minutes)

3. John said that people who are looking for counterfeit currency, are trained to focus on the “real thing”. So let’s try this with the message of Christ and the Bible as a whole. Take two or three of the “answers” above, and ask yourselves – and each other in the group: How is this “like” what Scripture teaches about God and/or His “way” and how is it different? Discuss each one. Next, see whether you see any patterns across the different non – Christ - centered spiritual solutions. (Note, you might find the Bible verses at the end to be helpful here. If you know any other related verses try sharing those here as well. And, if you have time and a Bible handy, try looking up Romans 5:3, Romans 8:17, Matthew 5: 3- 12, Matthew 19: 16 – 26, and John 13:12 – 14. ) (15 minutes)

4. Now let’s focus on a couple of ideas that John talked about in the message. One thing John noted was how the idea that our thoughts matter is certainly consistent with what the Bible teaches (even though “matter” and “determine” are NOT the same thing!). Since “The Secret” appeals to our desires to get what we want (or think we want), let’s look there. Take a couple of minutes to stop and think about one thing you REALLY want (this doesn’t have to be “deep”… but it try to make it “real”). Now, can you identify how you think about that desire? Do you think about it a lot? What do you think about, specifically? Is it effecting your emotions, your actions or your life in general (this can be for good or bad…)? Take a minute or two to write down some thoughts about this. Now, if you are in a larger group, pair off and share with each other what you’ve noticed your desire, your thoughts, and your life – and if you don’t feel comfortable sharing… just say so – or talk in general terms. After this discussion, if you feel like there is anything about your desires and their effect that don’t feel entirely right to you, make a note to come back later and talk to God about that on your own. And write down a day/time you will commit to doing that. (15 minutes)

5. A good way to end is to focus on the two different Spiritual “Laws” that John noted, The Secret’s false “Law of Attraction” and God’s “Law of Love” (see Deuteronomy 6:5 below). In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul says “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” In what way does Paul’s instruction about the direction of our thoughts indicate what God wants us to “attract” through our thoughts? Do you see any relation to God’s Law of Love? Discuss any thoughts you have. (5 – 10 minutes)

Bible verses from today’s message:

You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.
Deuteronomy 18:21

Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My idols did them.’
Isaiah 48:5

He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18 Those who sow injustice reap calamity.
Proverbs 22:8

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. People reap what they sow.
Galatians 6:7

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you.
Matthew 15:19-20

Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:6-8

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist.
Acts 17:27-28

I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17:20-21

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13

Related Next-Step Resources:

• Case for Christ by Lee Strobel (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• Letter from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd (available at Gateway Bookstore)
• God in the Dark by Os Guinness (available at Gateway Bookstore)
  

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