By Elizabeth Uwandu

Advancements and achievements recorded in the 21stcentury have not reduced the numbers of death of great men who died as a result of depression and frustration. Most death according to studies result from man’s inability to discover himself. In trying to stem the malady of unfulfilled living or painful deaths as the case may be, resulting from the void and emptiness of man.

Several authors have come up with many inspirational and motivational books. One of such books in recent time is, ‘’Dynamics of Positive Thinking ‘’ by Chukwunyere Chukwu . Just as the foremost Philosopher Socrates opined that the cord of human beings’ fulfilment on earth is summarised in these few words,’’Man know thyself’’.

Dr. Chukwu takes the maxim further by saying, man knowing himself is for him to know his Creator. In order words, Man know thyself is Man know thy God. The book which is of five chapters addresses the following topics Who are you?; factors of spiritual identity; have faith in God; accessing identity through prayer and life is only in Christ; is written in lucid and simple diction.

In addition to the above, it gives classic examples from the Bible of men like Jabez and Hezekiah who sought for God and God made their destinies life changing testimonies. Biblical references were also added for easy comprehension.

Dr. Chukwu says, secret of self discovery begins with getting answers to these questions,’who am I?, What is my purpose on earth and how do I achieve these goals? The answers to these budding questions according to the author is by knowing the creator of man himself through prayers, searching the scriptures, reading motivational and inspiration books.

Chapter one “Who are you?” speaks on self-identity, especially in the spiritual regard. Here the writer advises on the importance of finding oneself and understanding the purpose of God concerning human being life here on earth. Various challenges impede man’s identity and these include marine demons, marital problems, joblessness.

lack of job fulfilment, spiritual manipulations, lack of love and trust among others. Therefore, only divine direction by the Holy Ghost via our thinking, meditating right with prayers, praises and fasting, keeping our covenants with God on tithing, offering, prison visitation can remedy death caused through depression, frustration and limitaions.

Aside seeking divine dictate from the Holy Spirit, the author says one should not under-estimate the power of asking questions as right questions give courage. Chapter two”Factors of Spiritual Identity” talks about the factors necessary for the establishment of spiritual identity, these are, through asking questions, thinking and acting wisely, establishing excellent desires. No wonder the Bible says “ask and it shall be given unto you”.

The writer goes forward to point out different places in the Bible where asking the right questions gave people their miracles, for instance the paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda, the prodigal son, the four lepers, the woman with the issue of blood, and even Job who interacted with God through questions.

These great personalities questioned themselves before they got their heart desires. So as children of God, we ought to know our place with God, and if things are not working well, we ought to ask the right question because there is no handicap situation with God.

The author point out prayer in chapter four to drive home our requests, questions and demand from God. With Biblical reference of Paul and Silas who despite being imprisoned prayed fervently to God and there was a miracle. Prayers can take the form of songs, hymn, meditations and prayers.

For the author, one can not just pray; but believe in God before and after a prayer . This belief is called FAITH. Self discovery in one’s life starts with faith in a God. Chapter three of this book “Have Faith in God” therefore discusses the importance of faith as a major Christian practice.

The writer gives ways to determine faith, especially from the book of Hebrew 11:1,2,6, these are: the things hoped for(based on the word of God), God’s approval, and pleasing God to the point of being divinely rewarded. The moment any of these ingredients is missing, the faith becomes shipwrecked.

Faith and obedience to God’s word are the dynamics of positive thinking. Faith is quantified by one’s spiritual insight into God’s word, and the Bible above all makes one’s faith to grow and be strong. Also reading good Christian books, listening to audiotape messages and other Christian materials can help motivate our faith in God.

On a final note, the author in the The last chapter of the book” Life is only in Christ” emphasizes that the ultimate goal in a Christian’s life is to have a life in Christ-an identity, and this can only be achieved by having being born again. The writer concludes by saying a prayer to any child of God .

He also urge that people should not only read the book but make use of the principles in to living a life of joy and wonder to mankind and make them be people of influence in this world and beyond. Dynamics of positive thinking begins knowing and acknowledging the power of God in one’s life, seeking divine direction from God through asking the right questions via prayers.

The prayer will play greater role when one backs it with absolute faith in God. And when one’s prayer is heard, he be like Christ on earth. Although, the book is a Christian book; it is also an inspirational one for all irrespective of one’s religion.