Nothing New Under the Sun

 

Solomon opined:

What has been will be again,  what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9) 

I have discovered that no truer words have ever been spoken or penned. I make this discovery each time I read another self-help, personal development, or business building book. If you know me then you already know that I am an avid reader (emphasis on "avid"). I devour books that have to do with human psychology, personal growth, spiritual growth, and business development. I never read poetry, biographies, or novels. I want to know as much as I can about what makes people tick and what the keys of accomplishment are. 

As I have read countless books on these subjects I find myself reading the same things over and over again. The principles, insights, and truisms are stated time and again but merely from another writer's perspective. 

For example: When it comes to the achievement of a goal the steps are simple. 

1. Determine what you really want to do.
2. Write that goal on a card and read it several times every day- (be specific - don't write, "I want to write a novel" but write "I will write a novel about _________."
3. Set a deadline for accomplishment of the goal.
4. Write out a plan.
5. Make a commitment to carry out the plan.
6. Take massive action.
7. Stay persistent,
8. Accomplish the goal. 

I have read this approach many times. There may be some variations but in general this is the approach to take to accomplish any goal no matter what stage of life you are in. All writers on goal achievement teach these same steps. 

Further, each writer agrees with the other authors on why 95% of people never truly accomplish their goals. There really is nothing new under the sun and it is as true of people as it is of anything else in life. One writer noted that most people know that it is actually easy to do the things required for personal accomplishment. Then he added that it is much easier NOT to do those things and most people (95%) will always opted for the easiest road. So, they do not accomplish their goals.

I have devoured the writings of Bob Proctor, Earl Nightingale, Tony Campolo, Napoleon Hill, Charles Stanley, Zig Ziglar, Tom Hopkins, Dan Kennedy, Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, and Mel Robbins just to name a few (because there are many others). Some of these authors border on the bizarre but their general teachings are founded on the same premise that there really is nothing new under the sun. 

These authors write from different perspective on the same subjects but also on other subjects. They each have the fascinating ability to capture and hold my attention. BUT, because I have read, studied, taught, and preached the Bible so intensely and often; rarely do they teach me anything I haven't seen before within the pages of God's Word.

They each teach truths that, if applied, can radically change the reader's life. But each of these "truths" can be traced back to God's Word because the Lord Jesus IS TRUTH. He was in the flesh as the personification of truth ... ALL truth! He remains the author of ALL truth even in the heavenly realm. 

Jesus said, 

I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me. (John 14:6).

The late Jim Rohn is among my favorite authors. Back in 1991 he wrote and published a book entitled, The Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle.

The 5 pieces are philosophy, attitude, activity, results, and lifestyle. Each of these 5 principles have a direct connection to biblical teachings and principles.

By philosophy Rohn meant that to be successful in any endeavor of life one must hold and live by the right belief systems. He meant those beliefs that are favorable to oneself and fair to all others. Our core beliefs will always be challenged by new ideas and worldly perspectives but if we remain faithful to our core convictions then we will never waver from our true purpose and have a far greater chance to succeed in all of our goals and endeavors. 

The Bible is filled with these same principles and premises. "Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you." "Keep seeking the things above where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1) "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that  believeth (Mark 9:23). These are but a few of the verses that relate to Rohn's idea of philosophy. 

For the sake of space I will not make the biblical case for the other 4 pieces of Rohn's puzzle. Trust me, they are scattered generously throughout the pages of the Bible. 

So why do I believe it is essential for us to know these things? 

Well, the fact that there really is "nothing new under the sun" should give each of us a wonderful sense of joy because it affirms that God's Word is true and all truth is God's truth. You and I are believers in the God and Author of truth. When we read His Word we can take joy in knowing that His truths are best for us and these truths give us the promise, the hope, and the expectancy of glorious and wonderful days in this life and the one to come!

We all know that life has it high points but it often seems that the low points dominate. This is how is has always been. There IS nothing new under the sun! But the Lord has provided us with access to all truth ... HIS truth. He has allowed us to know His Son Jesus in a personal way as our Savior and Lord. We are all privileged to be in a personal relationship with Jesus ... the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life!

You shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall set you Free!

I hope these words have been a blessing to you!

Tony Guthrie, PhD.

tguthrie1961@gmail.com

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