Yoga – Good or Bad?
Many Christians nowadays are leaning on the futile sources of this world to keep healthy and fit. Yes, you’ve guessed it correctly; I am talking about yoga.
Yoga refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. The word is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. In Hinduism, it also refers to one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. In Jainism it refers to the sum total of all activities—mental, verbal and physical.
It is demonic because it comes from a false religion. False religions are not of God but of the devil. The devil knows that a true Christian would not and cannot worship demons or idols because they know the word of the living God. However, he causes people to worship him through deceptive practices such as yoga. Many Christians are easily deceived by him. Yoga comes from the devil and if it comes from devil then how is it that some Christians embrace it with open arms?
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places – Ephesians 6:12
The Bible makes it clear that our battle is against the lies of the devil – one of which is yoga – but there are many professing Christians who are being deceived by these demonic activities and end up worshiping the devil.
Many believe in Karma. Let me tell you that I do not believe in Karma simply because God does not believe in it. Many Christians are also into following star signs and fortune telling practices. They get so defensive when being confronted. They say what is wrong about them? Well, I say what is so good about them?
You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels;Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators. Stand up and save you. From what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble,The fire shall burn them;They shall not deliver themselves. From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by,Nor a fire to sit before! – Isaiah 47:1-14
Read and see what will happen with fortune tellers and medians on the judgement day. There is hope for you and those fortune tellers. God is mighty to deliver. Look unto Him and be saved just as that fortune teller girl (Acts 16:16) got delivered from evil spirit by the power of Holy Spirit.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ – Colossians 2:8
I do not even need to explain what Apostle Paul is saying here. Jesus said that a bad tree can never bear good fruit; and if these religions are false then how can any good come forth from them.
It is spirit who gives life, the flesh profits nothing – John 6:63
Your beauty will not last longer, your health will decay and instead of listening to Jesus’ words you pursue health and beauty. Many people love yoga because they want to be healthy, look good or even want to live longer. They are trying to get satisfaction out of the flesh that profits nothing. People are pursuing the vanity of this world. They want to look good because they want to impress themselves and others around them; welcome to idolatry.
I am not against keeping fit and exercising. Praise God for good looks and health but why use demonic tools to stay healthy. If you really love exercising then why not exercise your spiritual gifts as Paul said to Timothy. Grow in the Spirit because only the Spirit gives life.
You will surely die one day even if you have great health and beautiful looks. These things will not save you from death and you can be sure of that. The only thing that will save you from death is Christ. Worship Him who became a curse for you and died for your sins so that you may live. Instead of wasting time on yoga and your temporary health why don’t you spend some quality time with Christ who promises to give everlasting life where there will be no pain, no sickness and no tears.
Amen.
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About the Author (Author Profile)
Born in 1982 and grew up in Punjab (North India) as a nominal hindu. His mother’s conversion in the Lord in 1996 made him join the Church but it was not until April 2008 when Holy Spirit led Him to true repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Currently, He is serving at a Church plant alongside Sunny Kundhi in Southall under the guidance of Grace Baptist Partnership. He has degrees in BSc and MSc degrees in Chemistry. He is engaged to His fiancee Sarita as they are to be married in January 2012.
He enjoys reading books, running, Fifa12 and playing football.
Bro, keep up the good work. It is good to read your short article on yoga. I thank God for your conviction on this!
Good article. Yoga, whilst it seems like an innocent health pursuit to many people, is in fact deeply ingrained with hindu thinking and meditative practices.
If you want to stay healthy – eat healthy, drink plenty of water, do lots of excercise. But know this, this life is temporary anyway. It is decaying away and an eternity awaits each one of us.
The Bible says judgement day approaches. Health will not benefit you nor save you. However the only person who can save you is Jesus Christ and His death on the cross. His sacrifice is sufficient for your salvation.
Amen Brothers.
Oh praise God for this website it seems to be reflecting the heart of God more and more over time!Fantastic job! keep running the race!
Dear Vic my friend Lucy shared with me that a few years ago in the church she attended the pastor prayed for her and she went into a painful yoga posture,not a very nice experience,the pasor was into the signs an wonders thing. it was very distressing for her.would this be the kundalini that we have read about? God bless Nina
Yoga done in a good way , for a good intention is always good. Learning yoga (unity) from any random person who watches videos on youtube and claims to be some master from India doesn’t cut anything. If you are really interested, learn it from the source. Research. If doing it for casual purposes, try to discern the actual meaning of Yoga first. Health and posture is NOT the main intention/goal of yoga.
Have a good day,
V. Marc
Hi Marc
Thanks for your comment. I will get back to you as soon as I get home!
Hi Marc
I see where you are coming from. I will answer your comment in two different ways.
1. If you are a Christian. You are not supposed to endorse Yoga. Why? Because it comes from a false religion. Many Christian may think it is just another source of good health etc and It may well be after all it is used as an exercise technique. As I stated in my blog that Christ demands Christians to lean upon Him and abstain from what is ungodly and false.
2. If you are Hindu. You may try so many ways to reach God. You may think you can use Yoga to meditate and devote yourself with good intentions in order to gain salvation (Mukti or Moksha). No matter how much you try. You will never find ultimate satisfaction and salvation. Why? Because God has chosen only one way to save people from the penalty, power and presence of sin. It is Jesus Christ. The only way and hope of salvation is Him alone. This is not a myth, but it is a fact.
Yoga will not save you from God’s hands who is going to judge the world in truth and righteousness. But Christ came into this world to save sinners.
I was born and raised as hindu untill Christ changed my life. I don’t have to rely on yoga because I have God in my life. I don’t search for God because God came running for me two thousands years ago and found me.
Grace and peace to you.
Sonny