By Jacob Oketch
The Power of Right Beliefs is a motivational work empowering readers to believe in themselves and pursue their purpose in life unhindered by socio-economic barriers. It aims to shape and strengthen readers’ perspectives to boldly and critically reflect on the issues that define their lives. The book affirms that every human being is unique with inbuilt potential to tap into to enjoy the purpose of their existence. It empowers readers to recreate their destinies and provoke their inner concerns regarding the disturbing self-realization dilemmas and the questionable state of the contemporary church.
These words sum up what this book is all about.
It pokes at the centrality of humanity’s existence-thought. What we think is what we believe, and hence examining our beliefs is a worthy undertaking, considering that the world is awash with all sorts of beliefs, and not all of them can be a recipe for success in life. Therefore an attempt by the author to reorient readers’ thought patterns and beliefs is laudable.
One of the unique things about this piece is the boldness with which it tackles some of the most controversial religious beliefs in modern Christian societies. Furthermore, the author is a certified church minister who breaks ranks with some contemporary church leaders on several issues. Take, for instance, tithing. Though the author agrees with the idea of tithing, he is categorical that it is a religious practice that is not mandatory. He goes further to argue that in a strictly religious sense, the death of Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice that saved humanity from making all manner of sacrifices.
He also takes issue with church leaders who prescribe a specific amount of money as tithe. He avers that giving to God is not based on quantity but on the state of the heart of the person giving. He stamps more authority on this issue by stating that God is not interested in the material gifts that believers offer. Instead, he says, that tithing is used by questionable church leaders to enrich themselves.
The author breaks down the typology of beliefs and emphasizes that self-belief is the cornerstone of success. He uses everyday experiences to buttress that anyone can make it in life save for the inappropriate beliefs that hinder this ambition. He also gives tips on cultivating happiness based on ourselves without any other entity. Many people erroneously believe that other people have to be involved for them to be happy.
Another powerful lesson from this book is how perspective can change one’s trajectory in life. For example, it is easy to sink into the dregs of existence simply by how one perceives their state of lack, and that is why it is possible to find a happy person behind bars. Conversely, it is also possible to find a very unhappy tycoon. According to the author, many people are imprisoned in poverty because of the inhibiting beliefs they stubbornly harbor.
The writer opposes the tendency of churches to inundate the believer with many time and money-consuming programs that do not enhance their spirituality. In his view, the primary purpose of worship is to improve one’s relationship with God, and anything that derails that ambition ought to be discarded.
The author is a church minister, so his position about this matter is bold. It is rare to find a human rights defender within the ranks of the church’s leadership; most certainly, many religious leaders would be at odds with such a view.
Another compelling argument by the author about money ought to catch the reader’s attention. In his view, the author says that people should not love money at the expense of God. He quickly reminds the reader that he does not oppose thrift but is only concerned with some people’s obsession with acquiring money.
The author also demonstrates what it takes to succeed- with steps that one ought to take to achieve their goals. He avers that failure to accomplish a goal may not be a failure as such since one can pick lessons that can help them refine their future dreams. Again, we see how perspective can pivot one to success.
At the core of the message in this book is that there is wealth in relationships. No one achieves anything on their own but through a web of human relationships that work as a team to deliver. Another lesson readers will learn from this offering is that achieving an objective is not the end; an effort to share one’s success with others through an avenue like mentoring is noble and worthy. Sometimes, it occurs naturally to people who have succeeded in life to replicate their success in other people.
This is a book that anyone who is keen on improving their life ought to read. (
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