MANIFEST, MANIFESTING and MANIFESTATION

The word MANIFEST has become a concept some Christians avoid using. This is because manifestation has been ascribed to the new age movement. When an individual uses the term, it is assumed they are with the new age movement.

Hey, lest we forget, the King James version was before the new age movement. Roman 8:19 says, "For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God." Other versions of the Bible replace the word manifestation with reveal or revelation.

What is manifestation?

Manifestation is an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something. I am amazed at Christians that see this word as taboo. Why should we be afraid of manifesting if we know who we are in Christ Jesus? If the Spirit of God leads us, the result is the manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We know we believe in Jesus Christ and are living his mandate; we ought to be manifesting His power, His glory and His kingdom. 2 Corinthians 4:10 "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Manifesting according to the New Age Movement.

The new age movement believes people can make things happen based on their ability/energy. In essence, manifestation is a practice of the new age movement. Although, the practice can be traced back to ancient spiritual teachings and Hindu ideas.

Law of Attraction: The law of attraction suggests that positive thoughts yield positive results, while negative thoughts bring negative results. It is believed that thoughts are a form of energy. Thus having positive energy will attract success in all spheres of life.

According to the new age, manifestation is to make things happen based on the power of your thoughts. It is a self-help phenomenon where individuals depend on their ability and effort to make their dreams a reality.

But as Christians, we know that God is the source of everything. Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

As Christians, our actions are not based on our ability but on our dependence on Christ. In essence, we manifest God's will through prayers, not by our thoughts. Even the bible says by strength shall no man prevail. Philippians 4:6,7 admonishes us, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

How was Manifest/Manifestation used in the Bible?

God manifesting His love to us: 1 John 4:9 "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him."

Secret things coming to light: Luke 8:17 "For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither [anything] hid, that shall not be known and come abroad."

Works of men: 1 Corinthians 3:13 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

God revealing His secrets to us: Colossians 1:26 "[Even] the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:"

Jesus revealing Himself to men: John 14:21 "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

Performing miracles: John 9:3 "Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."

What do Christians manifest?

There is no other way we can show the power and glory of God to the world without manifestation. Acts 4:16 "Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; we cannot deny it."

And if the world (creations) are waiting for the manifestations of the children of God who we are as Christians, then we need to start praying for God to show up like never before. The world needs more of God's presence like never before.

Manifesting the kingdom of God: In the Lord's prayer, "Your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Matthew 6:10." You might be wondering what the kingdom of God is Romans 14:7 states, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

As manifestation means to reveal, our lives should be a reflection of God and His kingdom. Hence, we should be worthy of our calling in Christ. Christians should be the banner of unity and love because we are all one in Christ.

Manifesting the power of God: John 3:21 "But he who does the truth comes to light, that his deeds may be seen, that they have been done in God." In the great commission, Jesus did promise that signs will follow those who believe. For they will be able to speak in new tongues, cast out demons and heal the sick, John 15:15-18.

Finally, as Christians, we do not practice manifestation; instead, we manifest the power and glory of God because of who we are in Christ, not by our power or might, but through the grace and anointing that can only come by being a follower of Jesus Christ.

The spirit of God helps us bring the word of God to life in our lives. We know we are vessels unto honour to God, and we do not rely on our strength.