Is it me or God?

[Dai3234]

I have a major mental conflicting opinionative battle. I feel my conscience /god is telling me to give up martial arts because if I do it, I condone as an image to others, it's OK to do combat for fun. Even though the martial arts I do is quite passive.
My teacher says there's nothing wrong with training, if I think of it as a meditative state, reacting to force etc. He says my thinking needs to change. I like martial arts training, but don't want the mental imagery of aggressive actions when I am at home etc. It's not yoga, so there is a mental connection to fighting. I keep getting talked into continuing, and it would be a waste of training if I gave it up because im over thinking things, but also if I continue, am I not letting God in. Will I quit later dragging it out, or get over it. Is it god or me? Help

 

[NewWine]

I think you need to consider your "role" (if you will) within the family. Some people are protectors naturally. It's just how they are, so they train for such things. You could be naturally inclined to be this way, and if so, I don't think it's sinful to train to fulfill this in yourself. Just because our fight is against evil, doesn't mean some battles aren't against flesh and blood.

However, ANYTHING that you feel is coming between you and God is not the best thing for you, so if this is the case, backing off might be a good thing for you...at least for now. I am not you, with your calling in life to be able to tell you what's right. That is solely between you and God. God will give you definite directions when He wants you to turn. Keep focused on God, and your ways will stay straight.

 

[Demi777]

Ive never felt God discouraging me from self defense training.. Opposite actually. Depends on why we do it. We should never ever meditate and open our self to the enemies Forces by meditating because its dangerous as a Christian. I dont see where its condoning unless you use it to literally meditate.

 

[Dai3234]

Ive never felt God discouraging me from self defense training.. Opposite actually. Depends on why we do it. We should never ever meditate and open our self to the enemies Forces by meditating because its dangerous as a Christian. I dont see where its condoning unless you use it to literally meditate.

I think meditate, in this case, is to clear the mind of martial thoughts or techniques, as it is a feeling martial art and not thought based. But in regard to training because some people are defenders and may defend against people, or for people, seems contradictory to Christ teachings of turn the other cheek. Old testament had this, new testament does not, as far as I am aware. So I'm still battling.

 

[Demi777]

When he said to turn the other cheek he was talking about not practicing vengence. Its not about not defending yourself. You shouldnt avenge yourself and plot vengence. He also talks about people selling their garmets and buying a sword. We should defend ourself if we get into danger of dying. His apostels even had swords at all times. One example is before they went on the semon on the mount.
The man is the protector of the family. That doesnt mean that your a defender of people. God has people for all things. Just things like in the household doesnt change.
God may not use you for going out into security service but you still have some responsibilities.
And like said. meditation is never good. You open youself to outside forces and drop the armour and many other things.

I think meditate, in this case, is to clear the mind of martial thoughts or techniques, as it is a feeling martial art and not thought based. But in regard to training because some people are defenders and may defend against people, or for people, seems contradictory to Christ teachings of turn the other cheek. Old testament had this, new testament does not, as far as I am aware. So I'm still battling.

 

[Dai3234]

When he said to turn the other cheek he was talking about not practicing vengence. Its not about not defending yourself. You shouldnt avenge yourself and plot vengence. He also talks about people selling their garmets and buying a sword. We should defend ourself if we get into danger of dying. His apostels even had swords at all times. One example is before they went on the semon on the mount.
The man is the protector of the family. That doesnt mean that your a defender of people. God has people for all things. Just things like in the household doesnt change.
God may not use you for going out into security service but you still have some responsibilities.
And like said. meditation is never good. You open youself to outside forces and drop the armour and many other things.

I thought :a man is a protector of the family,

Is in relation to guiding the family, providing etc. I think physical protection under all circumstances is not in the will of Christ. He never laid a hand on anyone in violence. He protected a stoned woman with words, not physical actions. Protecting using physical action can lead to accidental death or intentional. To fear death is to be a slave to it. To fear loss, of family or material things is to be a slave to it. God gives freedom from this. So I'm still stuck, because of training, potentially condoning or showing others it's OK to do training in martial arts or not? Even if it is OK, how do I know if god just wants me to stop anyway, or I'm assuming?

 

[NewWine]

If you're going to meditate, meditate on the Word. Meditate in prayer. Meditate in praise....you can do all these things while strengthening your body and training? Whatever you do, do it to glorify God.

If you sincerely believe this isn't right for you any longer, then stop. It won't change anything really to anyone except to you. But if this is something you truly enjoy and love doing, then make sure you're giving it up out of love, and not out of misplaced guilt, so you won't resent giving it up later.

 

[Demi777]

I thought :a man is a protector of the family,

Is in relation to guiding the family, providing etc. I think physical protection under all circumstances is not in the will of Christ. He never laid a hand on anyone in violence. He protected a stoned woman with words, not physical actions. Protecting using physical action can lead to accidental death or intentional. To fear death is to be a slave to it. To fear loss, of family or material things is to be a slave to it. God gives freedom from this. So I'm still stuck, because of training, potentially condoning or showing others it's OK to do training in martial arts or not? Even if it is OK, how do I know if god just wants me to stop anyway, or I'm assuming?

Murder is a sin, Killing is not. Otherwise all Wars that God lead would be of sin.
Like said the disciples were all armed.Providing and guiding is only a part of the role of a man.
If you want to know if God wants you to stop you should take a few days off if its possible and just talk to him,pray and (or fast if you feel like it) and just see if you get a answer. Maybe he will guide you to a bible passage, maybe he will speak to you directly. But I know for sure that he WILL answer you somehow.

 

[Dai3234]

The wars that occurred were under the old testament, for the Jews. Even the old commandments say, though shalt not kill. This is a confusing point. Did the wars occur before the law. Before Moses? How can you forgive someone for their actions, kill them in defence and say you didn't fear death, forgave them and accepted Christ. When Christ never harmed anyone. Harming someone is not like Christ. Why protect yourself. God will look after you on earth and heaven. You may be supposed to lose. If the persecuting apostle was killed by Christians, he would not have been an apostle and be forgiven. So why do it?

 

[Demi777]

THou shalt not kill is a misstranslation. Its You shalt not murder
https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-murder.html
We will be persecuted. The lift of a Christian isnt easy. and like said they were armed even in the time of Jesus.
God is the same God of the OT. He was and is and always will be the same.

The wars that occurred were under the old testament, for the Jews. Even the old commandments say, though shalt not kill. This is a confusing point. Did the wars occur before the law. Before Moses? How can you forgive someone for their actions, kill them in defence and say you didn't fear death, forgave them and accepted Christ. When Christ never harmed anyone. Harming someone is not like Christ. Why protect yourself. God will look after you on earth and heaven. You may be supposed to lose. If the persecuting apostle was killed by Christians, he would not have been an apostle and be forgiven. So why do it?

 

[Dai3234]

THou shalt not kill is a misstranslation. Its You shalt not murder
https://www.gotquestions.org/you-shall-not-murder.html
We will be persecuted. The lift of a Christian isnt easy. and like said they were armed even in the time of Jesus.
God is the same God of the OT. He was and is and always will be the same.

After reading this connection I feel a bit wiser in these teachings. But now I am conflicted in whether the feeling I have is not from God, or I am ignoring him and trying to carry on whilst making my excuses to fit what I want.

The feeling I have/had, was based on condoning a killing art to be practiced/taught. But now through conversation, have I been led by fellowship to an answer or have I just looked for a way out until I got one, and am twisting the feeling into saying I'm rushing without reason. Ignoring God? How will I know, and get peace. Trust God and the feeling and quit, or trust God from fellowship, ignore the feeling and carry on? It feels bad that I feel that I have conned myself by looking for an answer and not just jumping. But how will I know, when I m in hell for not listening to my 1st feeling?

 

[Demi777]

Well like said. My advice is that you take a while off and just pray and/or fast, and let God lead you. Maybe you will be led to a bible verse, maybe he leads you to go to a church where u get your answer, maybe he will speak to you directly. Give it into his hands through prayer and let him answer you clearly without doubt that you clearly know his will. He will answer you.

After reading this connection I feel a bit wiser in these teachings. But now I am conflicted in whether the feeling I have is not from God, or I am ignoring him and trying to carry on whilst making my excuses to fit what I want.

The feeling I have/had, was based on condoning a killing art to be practiced/taught. But now through conversation, have I been led by fellowship to an answer or have I just looked for a way out until I got one, and am twisting the feeling into saying I'm rushing without reason. Ignoring God? How will I know, and get peace. Trust God and the feeling and quit, or trust God from fellowship, ignore the feeling and carry on? It feels bad that I feel that I have conned myself by looking for an answer and not just jumping. But how will I know, when I m in hell for not listening to my 1st feeling?

 

[Dai3234]

OK will let him sort the guidance etc, thanks.

 

[Demi777]

your welcome brother God bless you and feel free to message me if you need to talk

OK will let him sort the guidance etc, thanks.

 

[resurrection33]

I have a major mental conflicting opinionative battle. I feel my conscience /god is telling me to give up martial arts because if I do it, I condone as an image to others, it's OK to do combat for fun. Even though the martial arts I do is quite passive.
My teacher says there's nothing wrong with training, if I think of it as a meditative state, reacting to force etc. He says my thinking needs to change. I like martial arts training, but don't want the mental imagery of aggressive actions when I am at home etc. It's not yoga, so there is a mental connection to fighting. I keep getting talked into continuing, and it would be a waste of training if I gave it up because im over thinking things, but also if I continue, am I not letting God in. Will I quit later dragging it out, or get over it. Is it god or me? Help

I don't know much about marital arts, but I see nothing wrong with learning how to defend yourself and the ones you care about.

 

[Desertsrose]

I have a major mental conflicting opinionative battle. I feel my conscience /god is telling me to give up martial arts because if I do it, I condone as an image to others, it's OK to do combat for fun. Even though the martial arts I do is quite passive.
My teacher says there's nothing wrong with training, if I think of it as a meditative state, reacting to force etc. He says my thinking needs to change. I like martial arts training, but don't want the mental imagery of aggressive actions when I am at home etc. It's not yoga, so there is a mental connection to fighting. I keep getting talked into continuing, and it would be a waste of training if I gave it up because im over thinking things, but also if I continue, am I not letting God in. Will I quit later dragging it out, or get over it. Is it god or me? Help

I don't know anything about martial arts and I only know of one person who is a Christian that delved into the martial arts. He really enjoyed it, but along the way he said he had to quit. He felt demonic spirits drawing him in - he felt the act of martial arts opened the door to the enemy and affected his mind.

I read one website that cautioned the Christian from being involved in martial arts. And here's what 'Got Questions' has to say about it. Question: "Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts?"

Answer: It is stated by one of the founders of martial arts, Gichin Funakoshi, “The mind and technique become one in true karate.” By polishing our karate practice, he believes, we are polishing our own spirit or our own mentality. Karate is a system that can be considered a “way of life,” merging the spiritual and physical sides of our human existence. A Christian involved in martial arts should have a difficult time finding comfort in the roots of the martial arts. As seen above, they focus much attention on the physical development (which is not a bad thing), but also combine the training with Buddhist or Zen philosophy.

What does the Bible say about the mind? First of all, the heart is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). In the Scriptures, the heart and mind are often considered to be the same thing. Since our hearts and our minds are wicked, we are not able to think clearly about our spiritual situation, and therefore unable to “polish” our own spirits as karate claims it is able to do. We are in need of a Savior to clean our hearts, and develop within us a new spirit. Titus 1:15 gives us insight into the mind of the unbeliever: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” The philosophies contained in Buddhism, as well as most all of the religions of the world, are developed by flawed men with defiled minds. They do not offer advice suitable for Christians to follow.

The Scriptures teach us what we are to do with our minds. We are not to conform our thinking to the world’s way of thinking but “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). The picture in Romans 12:2 is like that of a mold we use for making cakes. The batter is placed inside the cake mold, and when the baking is complete, out comes the cake in the same shape as the mold. Our minds are not to be shaped by the world’s mold. We are to set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2). We should train our minds in how to serve the Lord and please Him in all that we do.

While the physical side of martial arts is probably a good form of exercise, and many Christians do participate in martial arts, it may be a dangerous activity to allow the mind to become influenced by the philosophies associated with karate and all other forms of the martial arts. The false religious overtones of Buddhism are there whether they are expressed verbally or not. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to separate the philosophies from the activity, and therefore it would be wise for the Christian to use much caution before participating in this kind of activity.

 

[Dai3234]

I don't know anything about martial arts and I only know of one person who is a Christian that delved into the martial arts. He really enjoyed it, but along the way he said he had to quit. He felt demonic spirits drawing him in - he felt the act of martial arts opened the door to the enemy and affected his mind.

I read one website that cautioned the Christian from being involved in martial arts. And here's what 'Got Questions' has to say about it. Question: "Is it right for a Christian to be involved in martial arts?"

Answer: It is stated by one of the founders of martial arts, Gichin Funakoshi, “The mind and technique become one in true karate.” By polishing our karate practice, he believes, we are polishing our own spirit or our own mentality. Karate is a system that can be considered a “way of life,” merging the spiritual and physical sides of our human existence. A Christian involved in martial arts should have a difficult time finding comfort in the roots of the martial arts. As seen above, they focus much attention on the physical development (which is not a bad thing), but also combine the training with Buddhist or Zen philosophy.

What does the Bible say about the mind? First of all, the heart is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). In the Scriptures, the heart and mind are often considered to be the same thing. Since our hearts and our minds are wicked, we are not able to think clearly about our spiritual situation, and therefore unable to “polish” our own spirits as karate claims it is able to do. We are in need of a Savior to clean our hearts, and develop within us a new spirit. Titus 1:15 gives us insight into the mind of the unbeliever: “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” The philosophies contained in Buddhism, as well as most all of the religions of the world, are developed by flawed men with defiled minds. They do not offer advice suitable for Christians to follow.

The Scriptures teach us what we are to do with our minds. We are not to conform our thinking to the world’s way of thinking but “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). The picture in Romans 12:2 is like that of a mold we use for making cakes. The batter is placed inside the cake mold, and when the baking is complete, out comes the cake in the same shape as the mold. Our minds are not to be shaped by the world’s mold. We are to set our minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2). We should train our minds in how to serve the Lord and please Him in all that we do.

While the physical side of martial arts is probably a good form of exercise, and many Christians do participate in martial arts, it may be a dangerous activity to allow the mind to become influenced by the philosophies associated with karate and all other forms of the martial arts. The false religious overtones of Buddhism are there whether they are expressed verbally or not. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to separate the philosophies from the activity, and therefore it would be wise for the Christian to use much caution before participating in this kind of activity.

Hmmm, now I'm more conflicted.

 

[Dan58]

Its you

Its not what you learn or practice, but how you apply it in your life. There's no sin in self-defense, your guilt is misplaced.. And its important to know that Jesus came as a lamb to the slaughter, but his divine purpose is not ours, nor does God expect us to live as helpless victims who are incapable of defending & protecting ourselves. Extreme pacifism is not biblical, which is why Christ chased the money changers out of the temple with a whip... jmo

 

[Desertsrose]

Hmmm, now I'm more conflicted.

Well, like Demi said, take some time to pray and even fast if you're lead to do so.

The article I posted was so you could see if any of it resonates with what you're experiencing. Not to confuse.

If you seek God with all your heart, He'll lead and guide you. It's a promise that the Holy Spirit leads and guides us into all truth.

Many of us mean well in giving opinions, but ultimately it's you and your relationship with God.

So seek Him and what my pastor once said, if you have ant doubt, don't do it because whatever isn't of faith is sin according to the scriptures. So pray and let God lead you.

 

[Depleted]

I have a major mental conflicting opinionative battle. I feel my conscience /god is telling me to give up martial arts because if I do it, I condone as an image to others, it's OK to do combat for fun. Even though the martial arts I do is quite passive.
My teacher says there's nothing wrong with training, if I think of it as a meditative state, reacting to force etc. He says my thinking needs to change. I like martial arts training, but don't want the mental imagery of aggressive actions when I am at home etc. It's not yoga, so there is a mental connection to fighting. I keep getting talked into continuing, and it would be a waste of training if I gave it up because im over thinking things, but also if I continue, am I not letting God in. Will I quit later dragging it out, or get over it. Is it god or me? Help

Are you really considering your conscience is God, or equal to God? That seems to be what you said in your first sentence.