The Four Agreements Revisited

I am sure everyone has heard of The Four Agreements by  don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills which was published in 1997 and stayed on the New York Times best selling list for seven years as well as being endorsed by Oprah Winfrey in 2001. It is considered to be a code of conduct and Toltec wisdom from Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico around 900-1168 CE.

 Some Christians may question the source of wisdom and others may believe that the only way one can be set free from inner bondage and live in joy is through Jesus Christ. I don't believe that they need to be in opposition. Yes, Jesus can set us free. The scripture that is taped to my desk that I see daily is Galatians 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

 The first agreement discusses being impeccable with your word and so much of the Bible tells us to do the same including a commandment and golden rule:  "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" and "Treat others the way you wish to be treated." There are scriptures that are similar to and could support parts of the remaining four agreements as well.

 However, my intention is not to do a comparative analysis or to encourage one to start worshiping Toltec wisdom. It is my intention to let you know that I have found comfort in these agreements and think that if I could live by them on a daily basis I'm sure I would benefit from a lot of needless worry and suffering. So, for those of you unfamiliar with the agreements or feel the need to revisit them. Here they are: