Book Review: The Seven Secrets

THE SEVEN SECRETS by John Hagee
(A Book Review by Virginia H. Lane)

What is success? What is your definition?

Many people think that successful people make make a lot of money. Others see fulfillment in beauty. I agree with Pastor John Hagee that success is "the achievement of worthwhile goals that enable you to fulfill your purpose in life." In his recently published book, The Seven Secrets, Hagee offers keys to "unlocking genuine greatness."

When I first heard of this book at Grace Fellowship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I thought it rather odd that something called The Seven Secrets would be used as a Sunday School lesson. I pictured the material as being a secular work written by a psychologist. When I learned the author's name, I reconsidered. From what little exposure I've had from watching his TV program, I decided that the material would be presented in an organized fashion and that I should read The Seven Secrets.

Glad that I did, my reaction is that most people, including myself, need to read--and reread--this book. Hagee lays out a basic plan that if followed will enable a person to have a successful life. He encourages the reader in the opening paragraphs. "You have unlimited potential, but you must learn how to release it to reach your destiny." He provides wisdom in saying "Success is not an event; it's a lifelong journey. You cannot possess what you are unwilling to pursue. Success comes to those who plan to those who prepare, to those who are persistent, and to those who are willing to endure pain to achieve their goals."

Achievement of goals will happen when one masters seven areas of life: attitude, perseverance, self-esteem, self-mastery, communication, prayer, and prosperity. On the surface these points looks much like those in every other self-help book. However, the difference is that Hagee shows the reader how to really apply them to life.

During the week through which I read The Seven Secrets, I began to ponder the "nuggets" that found their way past my mind and into my heart. Such things as:

The word "but" negates everything that went before it
Attitude is contagious
Love yourself.
I'm a child of God; that makes me special.
To begin to understand someone, walk a mile in his moccasins.
Forgive yourself.
Pray specifically so you'll know it when God answers the prayer.
Nightly, make a to-do list for the next day

These were simple ideas that I noted in my reading. However, the Chapter Four was the one which "spoke" to me. The heading for this chapter was "Mastery of Your Supreme and Most Subtle Enemy -- Yourself." Indeed, this is my battle. Hagee said that one needs to master: worry, fear, anger, depression, resentment, unforgiveness, unrepentance. I certainly related to the "six deadly fears" and the "six steps in defeating depression" are a good advice for anyone to follow even if they do not think they are depressed.

Communication is one of the keys. We need to sharpen our communication skills with our earthly loved ones and business associates. But more importantly, we need to maintain open channels of communication with God. So often we answer the question "How are you?" with the simple word "Fine" because we think we will be criticized if we tell how we really are. In other instances we rely on "talking about others" as the method for making easy conversation. With close friends we may move into the exchange of ideas. Rarely do we move into gut-level communication where we show feelings and say what we really think. What we should seek, at least in our marriage and with God is to be totally open and honest. As Hagee puts it "Level one conversation is a symphony of the soul."

I thought that Hagee had said it all that could be said on the subject of being successful in chapters two through five. The remaining two chapters cover how to become prosperous in all things by following God. That doesn't mean to go to church once or twice a week. But to actually live in relationship with Him. This relationship embodies praise, intercession, God's will, forgiveness and much much more. Hagee is so bold as to say that prayerlessness is a sin. Read Chapter Six to find out why. Chapter Seven shows us how to unleash the power of God's abundance in our lives. If that sounds impossible, I'll say "How do you know if you haven't tried it?"

In conversation with my husband, we commented how basic were the points expressed in The Seven Secrets. The issue is "doing what one knows to do." This book has given me a lot of food for thought, and frankly, a lot to discuss with God. I saw many areas in which I need to change or grow. And as pointed out by Hagee, one does that with help from God.

Lest you think that Hagee conceived this book from his own brain, on page 28 he points out that God was actively involved in his life. "I have learned each of these seven secrets of success along the way as my ministry increased throught the years. God Himself guided and provided from the first day of my Christian walk. I pray that these forty nine (reviewer's note: 7 categories times 7 subpoints equals 49) divine truths produce a prosperous harvest above and beyone your wildest dreams."

If you only plan to read one book (other than the Bible) in 2005, I suggest that The Seven Secrets by John C Hagee is one to consider.

On the inside front cover:
You want to be a success, or you wouldn't have picked up this book. But what exactly is success, and how do you achieve it? Success is properly defined as the achievement of worthwhile goals that enable you to fulfill your purpose in life. Seeking the one true God is the only way to be successful.

The problem for most people is that they misunderstand success. And the most common mistake people make is thinking that success is due to some genius or quality beyond their control. But the good news is that God has placed within each person the resources and ability needed to experience a lifetime of success.

Dynamic pastor and best-selling author John Hagee shows you that success is a journey as he serves as your tour guide on the exciting trip toward experiencing genuine greatness. Revealing seven secrets to successful daily living, he challenges you to move beyond mediocrity to fulfill your divine destiny. So read on and reap the rewards!

On the back cover:

LET SUCCESS DESCRIBE OUR POTENTIAL

You can achieve your potential and enjoy life in the process! Best-selling author and pastor John Hagee explains how you can dream big, move to the next level, and experience more fulfillment. Gleaned from decades of successful living, these insights will challenge you to become proactive in your personal and professional life.

In this helpful handbook for living well and wisely, you will learn how to:

Identify the true meaning of success
Follow the right goals.
Submit to divine authority
Break free from circumstances.
Give life your all
Use attitude, perseverance, self-esteem, self-mastery, communication, prosperity, and prayer to lead you into success.

Are you seeking practical advice for family matters, trying to communicate your thoughts and feelings, or searching for better business methods? Take the mystery out of life. Use these keys to unlock the secrets of success, and start living the life that god designed for you.