Led Astray
Perhaps I should have known from the title – The Alchemy of Awakening – Elemental Breathwork – that the path was foolish. The word “breathwork” drew me in, though, since I knew how much science and history back its benefits. After 30 minutes of discussing “your spiritual awakening” that was “different for each person,” though, I knew I’d never get to the breathwork portion of the class.
Paul’s words to not be led astray worked their way into my awareness again not long after I logged off this free Zoom class.
“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.” (Colossians 2:8)
Even though the promised benefits of stronger relationships, increased energy and resilience, more presence in my daily life, reduced stress and anxiety, and others drew me in, I knew that an “empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense” created out of human thinking had grabbed my attention.
Out of a desire to operate more wholly, I had taken a step down a path where God did not want me to go. Such philosophies exist throughout our culture, seeking to take us to where the desires of the flesh dominate, but it was my choice to walk in that direction. In other words, I didn’t “see to it” that I wasn’t led astray.
Spiritual Awakening
The Holy Spirit quickly helped me see my error and lead me to repentance. He then guided me back to God’s truth about spiritual awakening. In that study, I realized that even though I’ve been following Jesus my whole life, it’s still easy to lose focus and thus important to continually remember the elemental truth of the Gospel.
There is only one spiritual awakening, and it takes us from death to life. It happens by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, and it makes us new. In fact, all the benefits I wanted from the breathwork class (and so much more) are ones God promises us when we become his children. The difference? One was a work of God in me, the other was a work I did myself.
Be Careful
As Christians, we must be careful to not be led astray. That care must be active since that which seeks to lead us astray is active in its pursuit for our attention and devotion.
“Be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:16-18)
“Make every effort to live a pure and blameless life. And be at peace with God.” (2 Peter 3:14)
For just a moment of my life I wasn’t careful, and that was all it took to be led down a path where God didn’t want me to be and that certainly wouldn’t lead to peace with him. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit took the word of God in me and led me back to the right path.
The word of God in me is key for doing good, not acting thoughtlessly as a lifestyle, and understanding what God wants me to do. It’s essential for being at peace with God and for living a pure and blameless life. My efforts can only be good – I can only be careful – when directed by God’s word.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
bill (cycleguy)
You were wise enough to know the path you were heading down was not a good one Kari. Sadly, there are so many who do not and find themselves intertwined and deceived by the enemy disguised as an angel of light. How many followers of Jesus have gone down wrong paths and followed false teachers only to be “hopelessly” drowning? Thank you for your wisdom.
Kari Scare
I’m thankful that the Holy Spirit pulled me off that path very quickly. As I read through the Bible, I am grateful for the many, many, many times God directs us down the right path. We need to read it regularly and to rely on the Holy Spirit daily to not be misled. On my own, I too would be hopelessly drowning.