Can Christians use subliminal techniques?

Is it right for a Christian to use subliminal techniques to change aspects of themselves that they would like to change or should we depend solely on God’s help and guidance and trust Him to make those changes?

Thanks for your question about Christians using subliminal techniques for self improvement. You are right to be concerned about the world’s methods of modifying our minds and thinking processes. God’s thoughts and ways are higher than man’s and His Word should be the guide in matters of the mind (Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 12:2).

To address your question more directly as to whether it is right for a Christian to use subliminal techniques to change aspects of themselves, the answer is that it may not be wrong, but it is not best. Self-help books, CD’s, and seminars are not necessarily morally wrong or sinful, but they are not the best way to deal with the need to improve one’s personality. The Bible tells us to trust in God and not to lean on our own understanding (See Proverbs 3:5-6). Also, we are told that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Therefore, this leads us to Psalm 19:14, which is a prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” So, as you seek to gain confidence in your life, it is more acceptable to trust the Lord by looking to His Word for instruction and His Holy Spirit to guide you to have a “sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Other Scripture that instructs believers about the mind include Isaiah 26:3, “You (Lord) will keep him (the believer) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”; Ephesians 4:23, “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man (Christlikeness) which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”; Philippians 2:5, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”; and, Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Scripture that can inspire you to find your confidence in the Lord include Joshua 1:7, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law…that you may prosper wherever you go.”; Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”; Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.” and, Philippians 1:6, “Being >b>confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…”

May the Lord bless you with His confidence in and through His Son, Jesus!