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 has caused us to worship him through deceptive practices such as yoga. Many Christians are easily deceived through this. I say this because it 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

You certainly do not have any answers because you know it is not good but you still fall for it because it give some sort of pleasure or false hope. If you are anxious and you want to know something then simply ask the Lord (Isaiah 8).

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 a bad tree can never bear good fruit; and if these religions are false then how can any good come forth from them. So keep your eyes open and do not be deceived.

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.