As I wrapped up my reading of Dale Carnegie’s book, Stop Worrying And Start Living, I was struck by something I found throughout its pages. God. He was scattered throughout both the author’s words and those of the people sharing their stories.
Person after person, great and small alike, shared the stories of their transformations, and God was in nearly all of them.
If Mr. Carnegie was writing today, I wonder if he would avoid talking about God, hoping not to offend and trying to reach a wider, secular audience?
A visit to the Dale Carnegie website might provide the answer. I couldn’t find a single reference to God anywhere, although they do state that they conduct themselves according to the principles and teaching of Dale Carnegie. The site also references How To Stop Worrying And Start Living, which may be a way for God to be discussed.
The point of all this is that we have changed as a culture. In many ways, most of us are afraid to talk about God with anyone other than our family and friends. We’ve boxed Him in to a tight window of time on Sunday mornings. Other than those brief minutes, we hardly give Him a passing thought.
How sad that so many people are trying to go it alone, without God. This is especially true during the difficult times we find ourselves in. I’ve found in my own life that whenever I try to handle everything myself, I end up the loser. That’s not some times. It’s every time. I never seem to learn my lesson.
When I took my dusty copy of Carnegie’s book off my self, I didn’t know what I was in for. I think I loved the book so much because of its simplicity. God was everywhere in this book, and it was a reminder that He is also in every aspect of my life. It’s the same for you. The key is recognizing it.
Jesus said, I came that you might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
In order to have the abundant life Jesus speaks about, I believe we have to invite Him in to every area of our lives. Our faith in an all present God shouldn’t be something that we’re afraid to talk about, as if it were some secret.
The challenge for us today is to take a look at our own lives, and see if we have put God in a box, limiting His influence. If you have, it’s time to let Him out. Only then will we truly, as St. Ignatius would say, Find God in all things.
