What is mindfulness?  We hear that term being used quite a lot today.  Usually it is in the same context as meditation.  It appears on health magazines and is usually talked about when explaining techniques for a healthier body and mind.  Is mindfulness something the Christian needs to be concerned with?

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of your self and not suppressing certain negative thoughts.  It teaches you to love yourself as you are and to embrace whatever thoughts come forward.  This all sounds good on the surface but let’s look at it’s origins and then what scripture says about it.

Mindfulness is rooted in the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism.  It is also used along with Yoga.  Since it is an eastern religious practice, that should tell the Christian Right away this should be avoided.  Today many will say they don’t use mindfulness as a religious practice but just do it for their health.  Many of the same people use this reasoning for practicing Yoga.  These are spiritual practices tied to eastern religion just as baptism and communion are tied to Christianity.  We don’t see a Hindu or Buddhist dipping themselves in water calling it Baptism and say they are just doing it for their health.  We as Christians also should stay away from these eastern religious practices as well.

So, what does scripture say about practicing mindfulness?  

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Contrary to just letting thoughts bubble up in your mind the Christian is commanded that we should bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  The context of this passage in 2 Corinthians is talking about a spiritual warfare.  Because we are at war with evil forces and spiritual beings in high places, it is important we are aware of our thoughts and examine them in context of scripture and God’s law.  Any thought that is not in line with God’s righteousness needs to be contained.  We shouldn’t dwell on those things but instead we should dwell on what is good and holy.  

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

To sum this all up, the Christian needs to stay away from any practices from other religions.  We follow Christ and Him alone and so we need to keep our eyes on Him.  We also need to be very mindful of our thoughts but take them captive to the obedience of Christ, while thinking on the holy and righteous things of God.  By doing these things, the Christian will have and experience the true joy of Jesus Christ.