How this biblical practice can be a great witnessing tool
Rachel Sinclair
“I’m trying to meditate more often.”
Say that on a Sunday morning, and you’re likely to get a host of concerning looks from well-meaning churchgoers. The word “meditate” usually brings to mind thoughts of Eastern mysticism, statues of Buddha, incessant chanting, or burning incense.
It’s easy to forget that meditation is actually a biblical practice, both commanded and encouraged in Scripture.
Pew Research released a study that cited meditation as a common practice among diverse U.S. religions. Atop the spectrum are Jehovah’s Witnesses and Buddhists, with 77 percent and 66 percent meditating at least once per week, respectively.
When viewed with the right perspective, meditation can be a helpful conversation topic that produces fruitful opportunities to share the gospel with people of other religions.
The Apostle Paul used a similar technique in Acts 17, when he strategically engaged a secular audience by finding common ground on the subject of spirituality.
“Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed: “To an Unknown God.” Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.’” (Acts 17:22-23, CSB)
Paul did not immediately condemn the Greeks for worshiping false gods; instead, he spoke using language they would understand. He acknowledged their religious aspirations to establish a tone of respect. After Paul attempted to build rapport, he proceeded to share the true gospel of Christ, in all its fullness.
Similarly, meditation can be a gateway topic to sharing the gospel with unbelievers. The fact that many people of different religions understand meditation makes it an excellent tool for explaining Christian spirituality.
Through the course of a conversation, believers can share what true biblical meditation looks like in comparison to other religions. For example, Eastern-style meditation has a primary goal of “clearing the mind,” but biblical meditation strives to reinforce absolute truths.
Psalm 119 states that we are to meditate on the Lord’s precepts, wonders, statutes, and promises. Rather than leading to a state of emptiness or release, Christian meditation builds confidence in God’s Word.
At the end of the day, biblical meditation is not about escaping daily stress or forgetting your to-do list. It’s about entering into an intimate relationship with God––the God who created the universe, who knows every deep part of our hearts, who loves us, and who wants us to follow His Word that we may have life.
Later in Paul’s speech in the Areopagus, he explained that God made men “so that they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27, CSB).
God is not far from people, and he wants unbelievers to reach out for Him. Like the Athenians, people who practice meditation might be seeking to understand the “unknown God,” reaching out in hopes that they might find Him. We, as believers, have the privilege to point them to the one, true God.
So instead of running away from conversations about spirituality or meditation, use them as an opportunity to share about your personal relationship with God. In doing so, you may help others find the true hope they’ve been searching for.
Related:
- How Can Christians Cultivate a Renewed Mind?
- Beyond the Quiet Time
- Why God Allows Adversity in Your Life
RACHEL SINCLAIR (@1rachelsinclair) is a freelance writer based in Franklin, Tennessee.
