I was watching the news this morning and Actress Goldie Hawn was being interviewed concerning a program she is involved with in the classroom that teaches elementary through 8th grade students how to meditate. This is being embraced by schools to help alleviate stress in the lives of children. Schools are reporting that they have seen a reduction in suspensions, bad behavior, and that it has helped some students with A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder).
More and more children are coming into the classroom with major stress factors because of homes that are tense and filled with anxiety. I understand the need to help these kids relax and breathe, but the main concern for me is what they are meditating on. Scripture warns us about providing an open, empty mind that focuses on "nothingness". An empty mind is an easy target for the enemy to attack.
Our minds are a battleground; the place where Satan is standing at the gate just waiting for the smallest of openings. His sole desire is to seek, to kill and destroy as many lives as possible. (See John 10:10) We, as Christians, have to be on our guard at all times; aware of our surroundings, and what is fighting for our attention. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Heart can also be interchanged with the word mind.) When we let our guards down allowing our minds to be filled with "nothingness", we have given the enemy an easy in to accomplish his agenda. If we aren't focused on Christ and filling our minds with His truth, then we are fair game. It's Open Season!
There are many subtle ways that Satan can gain access into the minds of unsuspecting souls, but one of the most popular is Yoga; a meditative based exercise program which teaches breathing, and relaxing techniques. Now I have no qualms with relaxing or de-stressing, but the goal of these types of meditation techniques is to allow your mind to empty; to flow with "nothingness".
Remember the commercial with the phrase, "The mind is a beautiful thing to waste."? That is so true. Focusing on "nothingness" is a waste and also an opening. BEWARE! The mind is the devil's playground when the gate is left open - even a little bit!
So how do we relax, breathe and de-stress without being hunted and attacked by the enemy?
God promises in Isaiah 26:3 that He will give perfect peace to those whose minds are steadfast on Him. When we trust and rest in Christ, then we have an indescribable peace that passes all understanding. With God's peace, our stress is alleviated, our worry is gone, and our fear disappears. With God's peace, our mind is strong. And when our mind is strong, we're able to defend ourselves during Open Season.
Let's do a gate check today to make sure the enemy does not gain entrance by focusing our minds on that which provides perfect peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8
(all Scriptures taken from the New International Version of the Bible)
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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