Scripture affirms caring for your body while warning against practices rooted in spiritual worldviews that compete with faith in Christ.
Scripture on Yoga
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
New Testament
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Timothy 4:7-8
New Testament
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
Colossians 2:8
New Testament
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."
Philippians 4:8
New Testament
"Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."
Deuteronomy 4:9
Old Testament
"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
The Bottom Line
Physical exercise is good; spiritual vigilance about what you're inviting into your mind and spirit through it is essential.
Try Today
If you practice yoga, examine honestly whether the spiritual elements (mantras, chakras, meditation on emptiness) align with your faith in Jesus, and consider whether a different physical discipline might serve your body without the spiritual compromise.
Prayer
Jesus invites us to come to Him with our questions about how to live well (Matthew 11:28).
Father, I want to honor You with my body and my spirit. Help me see clearly where I've been casual about what I invite into my mind through physical practices. Give me wisdom to distinguish between caring for my physical health and participating in spiritual teachings that pull me away from You. Strengthen my discernment so I can choose disciplines that build my body without compromising my faith. I surrender my desires for comfort and fit-in to Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Colossians 2
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