Meditation And The Bible: Sin Or Spiritual Practice?

is meditation a sin in the bible

Meditation is a practice that has gained popularity in recent years, with many people turning to it as a way to reduce stress and improve mental health. However, there is also a lot of confusion and debate surrounding the topic, especially among Christians, who often question whether meditation is compatible with their religious beliefs or if it is considered a sin. This controversy is largely due to the association of meditation with Eastern religions and new-age practices, as well as the different interpretations of what meditation entails.

The Bible does mention meditation several times and encourages Christians to meditate on God's word and reflect on their faith. However, the biblical definition of meditation differs from the secular understanding. While secular meditation often focuses on clearing the mind or achieving a state of relaxation, biblical meditation is about deeply pondering and reflecting on God's word, his works, and his love. It is about aligning oneself with God and obeying his commandments.

So, is meditation, as practised in Eastern religions, a sin for Christians? The answer is not clear-cut and depends on one's interpretation. Some Christians believe that only meditating on God and Scripture is acceptable, while others argue that any technique that helps one focus on the present moment and improve their relationship with God, such as mindfulness or breathing techniques, can be beneficial and is not inherently sinful. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion and decide what practices align with their faith and beliefs.

Characteristics Values
Secular meditation Letting go of attachment to everything but the present moment
Biblical meditation Clinging to the ways, promises and words of God
Secular meditation focus Present moment, present breath
Biblical meditation focus God-alignment
Secular meditation outcome Temporary relief from the pressures of life
Biblical meditation outcome Clear path to follow, a compassionate saviour to walk with, the Holy Spirit to guide
Secular meditation Controlled breathing, reflective thinking, acceptance of life and thoughts without judgment
Biblical meditation Pondering on the word of the Lord, the majesty of God
Secular meditation No resolution to issues
Biblical meditation Clear path to follow
Secular meditation Calmer disposition
Biblical meditation Solution to real problems
Secular meditation Dangerous
Biblical meditation Safe

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The Bible's definition of meditation

Meditation in the Bible involves a deep reflection on the truths of God's Word, with the goal of better understanding and obeying it. It is about pondering God's character and His works, and applying that knowledge to one's life. The Bible instructs believers to meditate on God's law, His promises, His deeds, and His unfailing love.

Meditation, according to the Bible, is not so much about achieving stillness, but about reflecting on God's Word and growing in one's relationship with Him. It is a form of prayer that quiets the mind to focus on God, believing that He is present in all things. By meditating on Scripture, Christians can gain deeper insights into the nature of God and a better understanding of how to apply His Word to their lives.

Meditation, as described in the Bible, can involve focusing on a particular verse or passage and repeating it to clear one's thoughts and fully absorb its meaning. It can also involve reflecting on a question or topic and considering how the Bible provides answers or guidance. Ultimately, biblical meditation is about turning one's attention to God, seeking to know and love Him better, and experiencing closer communion with Him.

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Secular meditation vs biblical meditation

Secular meditation is often associated with New Age practices and eastern religions, and is typically understood as a way to relax and remove stress from one's life. It is usually focused on the self, the body, or the breath, and can be used to achieve a state of total relaxation. Secular meditation can also be used to achieve specific goals, such as success or wealth.

Biblical meditation, on the other hand, is focused solely on the Word of God and what it reveals about Him. It involves pondering and deep reflection on God's Word and its truths, with the goal of obedience. Biblical meditation is about turning one's attention inward toward their eternal, infinite, formless, light of consciousness or soul, and connecting more deeply with the presence of God. It is not about focusing on oneself or one's desires, but rather, letting go of ego and pride, and becoming the best version of oneself as a Christian.

While secular meditation can be beneficial for mental and physical health, biblical meditation is argued to be even more fruitful. Biblical meditation decreases stress levels because it involves a process of doing nothing and remaining in stillness, as well as pondering on positivity. It also has the added benefit of connecting one with God and His Word.

Some Christians may view secular meditation with caution, believing that if one empties their mind and is not abiding in Christ, they may be opening themselves up to potential danger. However, others argue that Christians can engage in both secular and biblical meditation, as long as they do not put anything before God.

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The benefits of biblical meditation

While some Christians may associate meditation with New Age practices and eastern religions, biblical meditation is a spiritual practice that is encouraged in the Bible. Biblical meditation is focused on God and what His word reveals about Him. It involves pondering God's word and reflecting upon its truths, with the goal of turning thoughts into action and putting them into practice.

It helps us to focus on God

Meditation on God's word allows us to focus on Him and His character, rather than on ourselves or the things of this world. By meditating on God's word, we can grow in our knowledge of Him and experience a deeper relationship with Him.

It promotes love for God and others

Meditating on Scripture helps us to internalize God's word and obey His commands. As we reflect on God's love and truth, our love for Him deepens, and we are empowered to love others as well.

It increases our knowledge of sacred truth

Meditation takes the veil from the face of truth and promotes the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. It helps us to understand and apply God's word to our lives, leading to spiritual growth and transformation.

It strengthens our faith

Biblical meditation helps us to trust in God's promises and providence, especially during times of spiritual and outward troubles. It also strengthens our faith by helping us to persevere in the midst of worldly employments and temptations.

It fosters repentance and reformation

Meditating on Scripture helps us to identify areas of sin in our lives and leads us to repentance and reformation. It also helps prevent vain and sinful thoughts and weans us from the present evil age.

It provides inner peace

By calling for focused attention on God and His word, biblical meditation helps to calm our souls in God's presence, leading to greater peace and reduced stress and anxiety.

It aids in prayer

Meditation prepares our hearts and minds for prayer, making it a more meaningful and powerful experience. It also helps us to pray with greater confidence and enables us to pray for specific areas of our lives.

It provides relief in affliction

Meditating on God's word can bring comfort and encouragement during times of affliction, reminding us of God's presence and control over our future.

It improves memory

Biblical meditation is a great aid to memory, helping us to remember God's word and apply it to our lives.

It promotes gratitude

Meditating on God's blessings and provision leads to a heart of gratitude and worship.

In conclusion, biblical meditation offers a multitude of benefits for those who practice it. It is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, obedience to God's word, and experiencing the peace and presence of God in our lives.

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The dangers of secular meditation

Secular meditation is focused on letting go of our attachment to everything but the present moment and the present breath. While this may seem harmless, it is very different from the type of meditation encouraged in the Bible. Biblical meditation is focused on clinging as close as we can to the ways, promises and words of God.

Secular meditation leaves you without a resolution to your issues. You take a moment to clear your mind and then you're immediately back to your real, chaotic life. You may have a calmer disposition, but what you don't have is a solution to your real problems. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, has a clear path for you to follow, a compassionate Savior to walk with you and the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Secular meditation can also be dangerous because it can point our meditative affections to serenity, success, or to a deeper understanding of self, which could move us away from a focus on Jesus. Most of us aren't driving to the local yoga studio for our daily meditation session, but we need to be aware that we are making space in our thoughts to meditate on something. We need to be cautious of what we are filling our minds with.

Secular meditation resources often encourage reflective thinking, controlled breathing and the practice of accepting your life and thoughts as they are and without judgment. While these practices can clear your mind of mental clutter and help you be present in the moment, relieve stress and improve focus, they only involve temporary relief from the pressures of life. They do not involve a Savior.

The Bible mentions meditation or meditate 23 times, 19 times in the Book of Psalms alone. When the Bible mentions meditation, it often mentions obedience in the next breath. For example, in the Book of Joshua, we are told to "meditate on [the Book of Law] day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." In these verses, the focus of the meditation is on the words of Scripture.

Secular meditation techniques are also often associated with New Age practices and eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, and some Christians believe that these techniques are sinful. However, others argue that as long as the meditation doesn't focus on magic or witchcraft, it isn't a sin.

So, while meditation itself may not be a sin, Christians should be cautious of the type of meditation they practice and ensure that their meditative thoughts are fixed on God rather than self-enlightenment.

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How to meditate biblically

Meditation is not a sin in the Bible. In fact, the Bible encourages people to meditate, but the Bible's view of meditation is different from what the world tells us it is.

  • Meditate on the Word of God and what it reveals about Him.
  • Meditate on God's law, His Word, and His character.
  • Meditate on God's works, deeds, promises, and unfailing love.
  • Meditate on what is good and right and put these thoughts into action.
  • Meditate on God Himself and His many works.
  • Meditate on God's glory in nature.
  • Meditate to be attentive to God.
  • Meditate to be still and know that He is God.
  • Meditate to focus on how God is speaking to you through His Word.
  • Meditate to understand what God is communicating to you through His Word.
  • Meditate to remember all that God has accomplished through the gospel of grace.
  • Meditate to worship God and give Him thanks and praise.
  • Meditate to apply the Bible to your daily life.
  • Meditate to prepare your mind and heart for prayer.
  • Find a quiet, comfortable place to meditate.
  • Choose a small portion of Scripture to meditate on, anywhere from one verse to a short chapter of the Bible.
  • Diagram the Bible verse to help you make sense of it and see the connections between the different parts.
  • Think about the imagery of the verse and what it would have looked like.
  • Ask what the verse means on a practical level and how it applies to your life.
  • Ask God to give you insight and help you understand Scripture.

Frequently asked questions

Meditation is not a sin in the Bible. In fact, the Bible mentions meditation 23 times and encourages people to meditate on God's word and laws.

Secular meditation is focused on letting go of our attachment to everything but the present moment. Biblical meditation, on the other hand, is focused on clinging to the ways, promises, and words of God.

The Bible warns against secular meditation practices that direct our awareness inwardly and make us self-conscious rather than God-conscious. It is important for Christians to ensure that their meditative focus is on God and not on themselves or their desires.

Some secular meditation practices, such as repeating phrases like "everything I need is already within me," may be contrary to Christian beliefs. Additionally, practices that encourage chasing success, wealth, or a better version of ourselves can lead our hearts away from the Lord, as mentioned in Jeremiah 17:5,9.

Christians can refer to specific Bible verses that mention meditation, such as Joshua 1:8, Psalm 48:9, Psalm 77:12, Psalm 119:15, and Psalm 119:148. These verses emphasize meditating on the words of Scripture, God's unfailing love, His works and deeds, and His promises.

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