Does self-help books really works?
By SexyMhei
@SexyMhei (152)
Philippines
January 22, 2007 12:45am CST
Have you eveer read any self-help books? What kind? Did it work for you? I remember reading books on time management and how to improve study habits, I even had one on exercises and gaining friends. But more often than not I still revert to my old ways, it seems that reading those kinds of books doesn't help me at all. What could be the problem? Is there something wrong with my way of approaching it perhaps? Can you tell me how some self-help book were able to aid you?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@keepinghome (270)
• United States
24 Jan 07
I have read tons of self help books, and yet was unable to help myself at all. After having my shelves lined with books to help ME, I opened the Bible, and found, that reason I couldn't help my self was written in the first few pages. I am a wretched sinner, and need one who is sinless to save me from my sinful ways, and show me the way everlasting. That sinless savior is Jesus Christ.
Things, while not always easy breazy or smoooth sailing, are really quite better. I sure do still need help, but I have learned I am not sufficient. Christ Is.
@SexyMhei (152)
• Philippines
24 Jan 07
What you've said is right. I think you're a Christian right? I too believe that only Christ can help us change. What i wanted to know is if these kinds of books could help us really one way or another. I get your point, when we talk about salvation or developing ones character, what we need is Jesus, to follow His Word written in the Bible. On the other hand, there are also christian self-help books that aims to help us develop our christian growth right? There are great christian inspirational writers, have you read some of their works? Do you think those christian self-help books were able to assist you in your christian growth? I'll wait for your response. thanks
@SexyMhei (152)
• Philippines
24 Jan 07
Yes, it is very enlightening. I'm ashamed to admit that though subconsciously I'm aware of that truth, more often than not I got sidetracked by so many things around me, even those self-help and inspirational books, specially if they are written by Christian authors. I do tend to think that maybe, what they have to say will work with me too, since they are christian so they surely might have been saying the right things. But your explanation did show me where I got lost. So, that's why self-help book doesn't work with me, because I'm looking at the wrong way. Thanks a lot. God is really wise, I believe it is not a coincidence that you were one of those who responded in my discussion. I do need a christian friend who can really give Godly inspired wisdom advices at times. Can you be my friend? Thanks and God bless.
@keepinghome (270)
• United States
24 Jan 07
I think that Christian "self help" books are a bit of an oxy moron. Like jumbo shrimp, sure they exist, but does that make that legitimate Biblical sources of wisdom and counsel. No. The best books that I can recommend however have more to do with learning Nouthetic or "biblical" counseling.
It's rather not therapy at all. But discipling, or being discipled, in the body of Christ for the purpose of edification, and the building up of the body of Christ. More information can be obtained from NANC or the Biblical Counseling Center. John MacArther, Jay Adams, Lou Priolo are just a few of the names in this field. Leaving "convential pop psychology" by the wayside, and running back to our Creator, and His word for our counsel and guidance. My husband and I are studying this and are involved in a lay ministry to counsel in this way. But again, even in a counsel session, it isn't to with in them that I point them to, it certainly isn't with in me, but to Christ and Christ alone, to His revealed word, and by the power of His Holy Spirit, only there can the sin be laid, only at the foot of the cross can victory over our sins, and stuggles be won,only in His strength. What a joy, to see true healing, true valuable changes, over even Life dominating sins...it is an honor to witness the works of His glory. Does that better answer your question? Because really you've asked a good one!
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
24 Jan 07
Just like anything else in life, I think it depends on the book, and it depends on the reader. A good one that I've found is The Sedona Method, by Hale Dwoskin. Information can be found, and the book and a complete audio course with workbook can be ordered through the comany website. http://www.sedona.com
The book and the course are absolutely wonderful.
@arlene_27 (231)
• Philippines
22 Jan 07
The self-help books I've read are mostly by the late inspirational author and motivational speaker Og Mandino. He wrote about self-esteem, self-acceptance, overcoming difficulties etc. I've read some other stuff by other writers too, but I guess I cannot give them too much credit so as to say that they have changed my life. They inspire, they point out obvious things, they share no secrets, but they say in such a creative and stronger way and you feel it's going to change your life. But not really, in the end, only we can chnge our life. Not any single book will do that. :)
