Using NLP as a Christian
A question I get often is- if NLP contrary with the Christian faith. I love answering this and sharing my thoughts so I thought I would sum it up here in this blog.
If you're new to NLP, let's start with explaining what it is and then take it from there.
Neuro linguistic programming is how we use the language of our mind to achieve our desired outcome.
NLP uses perceptual, behavioral, and communication techniques to make it easier for people to change their thoughts and actions.
NLP tries to detect and modify unconscious biases or limitations of an individual’s map of the world.
Using NLP can help you to create better confidence, move through overwhelming emotions or limiting beliefs, let go of behaviors and habits that don’t serve you and truly design a life you love!
A simple way to understand NLP is that it’s the users manual for the mind, and sadly most of us don’t have access to it which in turn means we aren’t using our mind to its greatest potential.
I actually feel like it’s a crime more people don’t have access or insight into this!
Neuro-linguistic programming is most often characterized as a form of psychotherapy that can be used to modify behavior patterns and treat problems such as phobias, depression, learning disorders, and the like.
It’s one of the modalities I teach in my certification program and it’s by far one of the most impactful modalities when working with my clients .....
NLP is a methodology that allows the user to create and model their own human behavior. They can learn how to model the skills that they want to be able to do.
At a more philosophical level, how can a GOOD model for modeling be contrary to Scripture? Jesus was the best model and we are called to live Christ like lives-modeling his example.
It is important to understand NLP as both a science and a methodology, as it has been applied in many different ways over the years. It's not just one thing; it's all of these things at once:
A set of tools and techniques used by psychologists, psychiatrists and counselors interested in improving the quality of their relationships with clients;
A set of meta-programs (beliefs) about how people learn best;
An approach for self-development that involves learning how you work best so you can change yourself into who you want to be.
It is a science, but one that should be used with caution.
NLP is a science, but one that should be used with caution. It can be good or bad. It is not a cure-all and it isn't magic.
If you are going to use NLP as a Christian, it's important to understand the limits of what it can do for you and how to avoid manipulation by others who are using NLP on you.
There are many people who use it for good, but also many who use it for bad
It should also be noted that NLP is a tool and can be used for good or bad. There are many people who use it for good, but also many who use it for bad.
If you're going to use NLP, make sure you're doing so in a way that honors God and glorifies His name. It's okay to learn about how your mind works through NLP, but don't use it as an excuse to justify sinful behavior.
As Christians it is imperative that we protect ourselves by thinking about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4:8). Often our limiting beliefs paired with our experiences can have us focused on things that do not serve us. With NLP as a tool you can reprogram your mind to focus on these very things.
There have been many concerns about using NLP from a Christian perspective.
There have been many concerns about using NLP from a Christian perspective. The truth is NLP alone does not support a specific worldview or spiritual tradition.
NLP is often associated with the New Age movement and may seem to be related to occult practices. Some people have expressed concern that NLP may be used for mind control, hypnosis, or brainwashing. However, NLP is not a religion or spiritual practice itself but simply a language patterning system that can be applied to any belief system and any goal. The association of NLP with New Age ideology is truly about how those that leverage NLP attempt to market their brand. Because of this you can use NLP techniques to help you grow in your walk with God while learning more about Him and His word.
Corinithians 10:5 says "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. As Christians using NLP we can explore the way our mind works and learn HOW to actually take our thoughts captive. To me this is the action that can pair with your prayer.
The premise of NLP is modeling. When we look at it that way if I am modeling out of the Bible how to “Renew the Mind”, then it is Christian. (Romans 12:2- "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." For example as a coach I am modeling healing modalities when leveraging NLP and this has helped me to support and heal so many clients. I think it would be a stretch to say that this is non-christian.
All in all NLP provides us with a structure of how we create our own experience. How God created us, how language is a direct representation and connection to inner experience, and how we can begin to live out lives in a more Christ like way.
Use caution and think through your motivations
In general, NLP is a tool that can be used for good and bad. As Christians, we want to use it for good. We don't want to use NLP to manipulate others or make ourselves feel better or worse than we are.
Instead, let's follow the example of Jesus and use our minds as tools for loving others instead of judging them or ourselves.
Conclusion
Did you know that marketing professionals are trained in nlp as are sales people and politicians. I share this to say that NLP is being used "against" us every single day. One of the best things you can do is learn about it, recognize it and consider how you can personally leverage it yourself.
This blog post is a brief overview to using NLP as a Christian because I know this is a concern that comes up often. I trust that you have found it insightful and informative. As you continue to learn more about NLP I challenge you to do your own research to see how it may align with you. If you would like to learn how to leverage NLP personally and in the work that you do definitely check out the ELEVATE Method here:www.nicolyawilliams.com/elevate
Here you will learn the tools you need to become the coach that facilitates change that goes deeper, lasts longer and happens faster. Let’s go!
