In “The Four Agreements,” Don Miguel Ruiz presents a powerful code of conduct designed to guide individuals toward personal freedom and true happiness. As you delve into this insightful book, you’ll uncover the importance of these four agreements: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best.
As a Christian non-fiction author, you can extract valuable lessons from Ruiz’s work and apply them to your writing in order to emotionally impact your readers, guiding them to make positive changes in their lives. To support each takeaway, you’ll find three biblical passages .
Takeaway #1: Be impeccable with your word
The first agreement emphasizes the power of our words and encourages us to use them wisely, speaking with integrity and truth. This principle aligns with the teachings of the Bible, which also emphasizes the weight and significance of our words.
- Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
- Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
- James 3:5-6: “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.”
Takeaway #2: Don’t take anything personally
The second agreement advises us not to take things personally, as people’s actions and words are a reflection of their own reality, not ours. In your writing, encourage your readers to find solace in their identity as children of God and not to be swayed by the opinions of others.
- Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.“
- 1Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
- Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Takeaway #3: Don’t make assumptions
The third agreement urges us not to make assumptions, as they often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. Instead, we should seek to communicate clearly and honestly with others.
The Bible also supports the importance of clear communication and understanding.
- Proverbs 15:22: “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.“
- Proverbs 16:24: “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.“
- Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Takeaway #4: Always do your best
The fourth agreement emphasizes the importance of always doing our best, understanding that our best may vary from day to day. By consistently striving for excellence, we can avoid self-judgment and regret. The Bible also encourages us to do our best in all aspects of life, ultimately to glorify God.
- Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
- 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz offers valuable guidance that can be applied to your writing as a Christian non-fiction author.
The four agreements align well with biblical teachings, as evidenced by the passages cited. By embracing the wisdom found in both “The Four Agreements” and the Bible, you can create meaningful content that resonates with your readers and guides them on a transformative journey toward spiritual growth and personal fulfillment.
By incorporating these principles into your work, you can emotionally impact your readers and inspire them to make positive changes in their lives.
