Stressed? Mindfulness may be suggested as a way to relax. It is taught to children in public schools as a method of relaxation, used to treat chronic pain and so much more. Mindfulness has become quite popular in American culture but here is what you need to know.
When mindfulness is referenced in mental health and medical literature, it is usually based on some form of Buddhist philosophy or religion. And while there are many forms of Buddhism, there are basic tenets common to all.
While the definition of mindfulness is not anti-Christian and usually refers to self-regulation and present moment orientation, the practice of Buddhist-based mindfulness is problematic for Christians. In Buddhism, one empties the mind, meaning one is detached from all thoughts. Thoughts are not to be judged.
Yet the New Testament refers to the mind as evil (2 Cor 3:14; 2 Cor 4:4; 2Tim 3:8;
Romans 1:28
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
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) in need of renewal. Our thoughts are important and will be judged as Jesus noted in
Matthew 5:28
But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
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. And the Apostle Paul reminds us that nothing good lives in us (
Romans 7:18
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.* I want to do what is right, but I can't.
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). In other words, our unenlightened minds are not capable of enlightenment on their own.
And while mindfulness practice may relieve stress, it does not bring wholeness to the person because it does not bring life to the spirit. True rest comes from the person of Christ (
Matthew 11:28
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
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) and cannot be imitated through self-effort.
For Christians, mindfulness is an active process between God and man. God is mindful of us (
Psalms 8:4
what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?*
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;
Hebrews 2:6
For in one place the Scriptures say,"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man* that you should care for him?
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) and we are to put on the mind of Christ. To do so, we meditate on who God is and listen to Him in prayer. Daily, we renew our minds by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us (
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
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), love God with all our mind (
Matthew 22:37
Jesus replied, "`You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'*
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) and implant God’s laws into our minds (
Hebrews 8:10
But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,* says the LORD:I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts.I will be their God, and they will be my people.
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). Meditation is a way to connect with God, to cling to God, to listen for His voice and to align our thinking to His. This creates greater intimacy, not detachment.
“Cease striving and know that I am God” is our biblical instruction. The prescription for peace is provided in
Philippians 4:4-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
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and needs to be taught—pray, give thanks, let our requests be known to God and meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report. The result of this spiritual practice is God’s peace (v. 9).
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About The Author
Dr. Linda
Mintle
Dr. Linda Mintle, Ph.D. is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author of 16 books and CBN.com's Family Matters blog. She's a national speaker, news contributor and currently serves as the Chair of the Behavioral Health department in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Liberty University.
