Think Better, Live Better

Think Better, Live Better is the title of a recent book by Joel Osteen.  It is not a bad title because it does contain some truth in it.  Of course Osteen encourages us to think positive and rid ourselves of all negativity.  We might call this teaching Osteenism.  But is the teaching of Osteen in line with the teaching of the Bible.  We will compare Osteenism with the Biblical worldview.  

First we will look at the view of God.  If you do not have an accurate view of God you will not have an accurate view of yourself.  The God of Osteenism basically exists for you.  He is there to make you happy and help you achieve health, victory, and success.  This God is kind of a life coach who makes no demands on you.  He is not a judge and you do not need to worry about his wrath.  

In contrast the Biblical view of God is very different.  God is Trinity (3 persons of 1 essence), he is the infinite, personal Creator.  He is sovereign, holy, and the ultimate authority.  He is loving and merciful but also displays his wrath against sin and judges you.  God is more concerned about your holiness than your happiness.  In the Biblical view we exist for God and our ultimate purpose is to glorify him.  

Next we will look at the view of man and his problem.  In Osteenism the big problem is that we have to much negativity and are just not thinking positive.  If you start thinking good, positive thoughts about yourself it will become reality (kind of like name it claim it).  Joel Osteen actually says there is nothing wrong with you.  

In sharp contrast the Biblical view says there most definitely is something wrong with you, it is called sin.  We were born sinful (Psalm 51:5), we are not righteous (Romans 3:10), and all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  God is holy and therefore hates sin.  Our sin makes us objects of his wrath (Ephesians 2:3).  In contrast to Joel Osteen's view of man as basically good the Apostle Paul described himself as "wretched man that I am" (Romans 7:24) and "the chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:10).  

Finally we look at the solution to man's problem.  In Osteenism the solution comes from within yourself.   You must stop all the negativity and just think those positive thoughts.  Then you will achieve that happy, victorious life.  You will have your best life now.  

On the other hand the Biblical view presents a much different solution because the problem is entirely different.  The solution is not found within ourselves but from outside of ourselves.  We are all sinners in need of a Savior.  God sent his Son, Jesus to save his people from their sins.  Jesus lived a perfect life to provide righteousness for us and he died on the cross to pay for our sins. He was raised from the dead victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  Those who repent of their sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation will be saved and go to heaven.  

It should be quite obvious that Osteenism and the Biblical view are totally different.  Those strictly adhering to Osteenism will be led astray and on the road to hell.  Joel Osteen is preaching a different gospel (Galatians 1:6-10).  He simply tells people what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  The true church must call out Joel Osteen for what he really is, a false teacher peddling a false gospel.