Should Christians use vision boards?

 

As people enter into a New Year, they often make New Year's resolutions or create a plan for the year ahead. Some people enjoy creating and using vision boards to help them reach their goals. However, there is much debate about vision boards and if Christians should use them. Before I give my opinion (and that is it an opinion), let me first say:

1. Always be led by the Holy Spirit. If you feel convicted about doing something, then don't do it. He knows your inner most thoughts, desires, attitudes and motivations. 

2. Don't do anything if it becomes a stumbling block to other believers and I would add if it could possibly give Satan a foothold in their lives. 
1 Cor. 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 

3. Is what I am doing bringing glory to God or to self or to Satan? The chief end of man is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Westminster Shorter Catechism

What is a Vision Board? 

According to Rachel Moore (not Allison's Rachel just to clarify for those who know that Rachel Moore) in her book The History and Mystery of Vision Boards .... 

            "a vision board tells a visual story of where a person desires to go, wants to 
            achieve, or hopes to attain." She further states that "It is a collection of words,
            phrases, images, and pictures that affirm your vision of specific desires, goals,
            and dreams. A vision board is also known as a dream board, faith board, treasure
            map, creative collage, and a life vision map." 

Beware of: New Age Visualization and Manifestation

Below are quotes from website:

"Manifestation and visualization are two powerful techniques that have gained significant popularity in recent years. Both methods aim to harness the power of intention and focus to bring about desired outcomes in life." Manifestation vs. Visualization - What's the Difference? | This vs. That

"One of the key attributes of manifestation is the emphasis on belief and faith. It requires cultivating a deep sense of trust in the universe or a higher power, knowing that what we desire is already on its way. This unwavering belief acts as a magnet, drawing the desired outcome closer to us. Manifestation also encourages individuals to take inspired action towards their goals, recognizing that they play an active role in co-creating their reality.
Manifestation vs. Visualization - What's the Difference? | This vs. That

Beware of: New Age Law of Attraction

Below is a quote from a website:

The Law of Attraction is one of the central principles of the New Age movement, stating that our thoughts and emotions emit energy, attracting experiences and events of a similar vibration into our lives. This principle emphasizes the importance of conscious thinking and a positive mindset, as these shape our reality. According to the Law of Attraction, every thought and emotion emits a certain vibration into the Universe. The Universe responds to these vibrations by attracting experiences of a similar frequency into a person’s life. Positive thoughts and emotions generate higher-frequency vibrations, while negative ones create lower-frequency vibrations. Therefore, practicing positive thinking and emotions can help manifest desired events and experiences.

My opinion:

1. A vision board is a person's way of creating a visual representation of their goals and/or dreams for the future. 

2. Some people are visual learners, and some people need a visual reminder to help keep them motivated. 

3. As a Christian, my faith has to be in God alone. I do not believe that the universe or a higher power (other than God as revealed in the Bible) is working to cause something to happen (manifest) in my life. Nor do I believe that I alone (apart from faith in God and His power working in me) can cause something to happen (manifest) in my life (by simply desiring it and believing it will happen). 

4. This is different than putting faith in God's WORD and trusting that His WILL will be accomplished. The focus is the difference. Is my focus on God working or me (self) working to make it happen? The focus must be on God's WORD and the Holy Spirit's guidance and not my desire to manipulate God to do my will. 

5. If you, as a Christian, enjoy creating art and you have goals and desires (that you have sought through prayer and fasting), then creating a vision board could be a helpful motivation for you to pursue those goals and desires. As long as you understand you are seeking God's will and not your will. But a vision board should not be used as a way to "manifest" anything on your own or by the power or energy of the universe. So how you use a vision board or its purpose for you is what is important. If it is just a visual motivation to fulfill God's will in your life or if it is way to remind you of God and His working in your life, then I see it as neutral endeavor. God needs to the be focus and not SELF. 

So, there are my opinions on the subject. 

"Cultivating Godly Desires

Scripture encourages believers to cultivate desires that align with God's will. In Philippians 2:13 , Paul writes, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This suggests that God actively shapes the desires of those who seek Him, enabling them to pursue His purposes.

The process of renewing the mind, as described in Romans 12:2 , is crucial for transforming desires: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Through the renewal of the mind, believers can discern and cultivate desires that reflect God's character and intentions." Topical Bible: The Role of Desires in Spiritual Life

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