This will probably be my last post on the topic of mindfulness for a while. it has been an interesting topic to explore and write about. I hope that you have been encouraged as I have from the insights in God's word.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Matthew 24:43 (NKJV)
This may seem an odd verse to end on for mindfulness. However, I believe it points to the contrast of being unmindful. If we are aware that something bad could or will happen then we will take action to do something about it. It is this awareness that leads to action. Jesus goes on to say:
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)
As Christian's our faith is in the person Jesus Christ God's one and only begotten son. Jesus used the title "Son of Man" as a reference to Himself. So Jesus is telling us that some day He will return. He also is telling us to live in a state of readiness for that very return. Our faith in Christ informs our awareness in spiritual and life matters. This is not limited to our faith in His return or our eventual resting place with him, but this ought to be central in our consideration. This faith awareness is the root of Christian mindfulness.
From this mindfulness proceeds some sort of activity. Faith without action is like telling stomach without food be filled and expecting relief.
If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it? In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.
James 2:15-18 (HCSB)
Becoming aware will ultimately lead to some sort of conviction (by the Holy Spirit). That conviction will require some action if it is to be followed. Being mindfully aware of yourself and the world around you may bring some state of bliss or pleasure, but without a change that plays out in your daily walk it is not very useful. Mindfulness without some corresponding response seems hedonistic in my estimation. It is seeking pleasure over right living (righteousness). Mindfulness may bring a sense of transcendence and peace, but if it does not bring you into a right relationship with God then it is not true Christian Mindfulness.
God Bless You all!
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