Your Best Life Now

Your Best Life Now cover

Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential is a book by Joel Osteen, a prominent television evangelist and the pastor of Lakewood Church, one of the largest Protestant churches in the United States. First published in 2004, the book outlines Osteen's seven-step plan that aims to guide readers towards achieving their personal and professional goals, emphasizing the importance of faith in God and a positive outlook on life.

Summary

Your Best Life Now posits that individuals have the power within themselves, with God's help, to overcome any obstacles that prevent them from living their best life. The book is divided into seven sections, each representing a step towards achieving one's full potential:

1. Enlarge Your Vision
2. Develop a Healthy Self-Image
3. Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words
4. Let Go of the Past
5. Find Strength Through Adversity
6. Live to Give
7. Choose to Be Happy

Osteen uses personal anecdotes, biblical stories, and practical advice to illustrate how adhering to these steps can improve one's life. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, having faith in God's plan, and the power of positive confession.

Reception

Your Best Life Now received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success. It remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for more than 200 weeks and has sold millions of copies worldwide. Critics of the book argue that it focuses too much on material success and prosperity, deviating from traditional Christian teachings about humility and suffering. Supporters, however, praise the book for its uplifting message and practical advice on living a faith-filled life.

Impact

The success of Your Best Life Now propelled Joel Osteen to national fame, leading to increased attendance at Lakewood Church and the expansion of his television ministry. The book has also spawned a variety of related products, including journals, study guides, and a board game.

Controversies

Some theologians and members of the Christian community have criticized Osteen's teachings in Your Best Life Now as being part of the Prosperity Gospel, a controversial Christian doctrine that equates faith with financial success and physical well-being. Critics argue that this message overlooks the more profound spiritual dimensions of Christianity and misinterprets biblical teachings.

See Also

• Joel Osteen
• Lakewood Church
• Prosperity Gospel
• Christian literature

Your Best Life Now Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia