Nicole Alcindor with The Christian Post recently published an article about Yoga, which some consider a form of exercise or a way to clear the mind; however, others view the practice as a “demonic door.”
To Jenn Nizza, a former psychic who is now a Christian, the practice of Yoga was once a ritualistic exercise she purposely used to connect to evil spirits. After leaving the occult and turning to Christ, she began using her platform to speak out against the idea that Yoga was simply all fun and innocent movements.
The Christian Post article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, Merriam-Webster defines “Yoga” as 1) “a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation” and 2) “a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being.”
As humans created in the image of God, we are each comprised of a spirit, soul and a body. It is the spirit which is renewed by the Holy Spirit when we are born again and become children of God. So why would we want to intentionally become separate from, or to suppress, all activity of the body or soul (i.e., our mind, will and emotions)? It is our very soul that is undergoing the daily process of sanctification, as we seek to reflect more of Jesus in the mirror each day!
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like [H]im as we are changed into [H]is glorious image.”
In the article, Ms. Nizza references Jeremiah 17:9 regarding the heart being deceptive. In reviewing this scripture, it seems good to consider verses 7-10.
Jeremiah 17:7-10 (NKJV)
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, [a]nd whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, [w]hich spreads out its roots by the river, [a]nd will not fear when heat comes; [b]ut its leaf will be green, [a]nd will not be anxious in the year of drought, [n]or will cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, [a]nd desperately wicked; [w]ho can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, [e]ven to give every man according to his ways, [a]ccording to the fruit of his doings.”
In the end, we each must decide whether participating in Yoga is an acceptable activity for the Christian. I’ve posted this article and commentary to provoke prayer and consideration, not to condemn, sound like a know-it-all, or pretend to be an expert in Yoga!
That said, if you or someone you love is involved in Yoga, it might be wise to consider (or reconsider) this activity, as setting an example to those who may be wavering in their faith or perishing without Christ might require us to forgo certain activities if they could cause another to stumble.
Praise Jesus forevermore!