New age practices and the importance of discernment in the church.
New age practices have gained popularity recently, with many churches incorporating techniques such as meditation, energy healing, and yoga. While these practices seem beneficial, churches must approach them with discernment and caution.
Discernment involves seeking guidance and wisdom from God through prayer, reflection, and consultation with trusted elders, pastors, or advisors. This is important because new-age practices align with the Bible's teachings or the church's traditions. It conflicts with Christian beliefs and values or is spiritually harmful.
The early church strongly emphasized prayer, scripture study, and sacraments such as baptism and communion. There was also an emphasis on communal worship and fellowship, focusing on building a solid community of believers. On the other hand, new age practices tend to be more individualistic, emphasizing personal growth and self-discovery.
When considering incorporating new-age practices into your Christianity practices, it's important to practice discernment. New age practice doesn't align with the teachings of scripture and the early church's beliefs. It would be best to consider whether the course would promote spiritual growth and healing or lead to confusion and spiritual harm, which in the latter case will.
Ultimately, the goal of discernment is to ensure that the practices and beliefs of the church are consistent with the teachings of biblical scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By practicing wisdom, church leaders can help ensure their congregation remains spiritually grounded and focused on their faith's core beliefs and practices. Christians must be aware of potential pitfalls associated with new-age practices that may be incorporated into their church.
While these practices may seem appealing or beneficial, they do not align with the teachings of scripture or the church's traditions.
One potential concern is that new-age practices may lead to a loss of focus on Christ and the gospel. When techniques such as meditation or energy healing become the focus of church gatherings, it can be easy to lose sight of the core beliefs and practices of the Christian faith.
Another concern is that new-age practices may promote a sense of self-reliance or self-centeredness. While personal growth and self-discovery are essential, they should never be at the expense of our relationship with God or our commitment to serving others.
It's also essential for Christians to be aware of the potential spiritual dangers associated with some new-age practices. Practices such as channeling, psychic readings, or certain forms of energy healing may involve contact with spiritual entities or forces that are not of God. These practices can lead to confusion, spiritual harm, and even demonic possession in some cases.
In conclusion, while new-age practices can seem beneficial and are becoming more popular with mainstream churches, you must approach them with discernment and caution. By seeking guidance from God and carefully considering the alignment of these practices with the teachings of scripture, church leaders and you can make informed decisions that promote spiritual growth and well-being within their congregation.
By Grace through Faith, Jenifer
