Child’s Pose - James 4:10

Seek God Together

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read James 4:10 which says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt You.” And Matthew 18:3 which says, “I assure you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” You would be forgiven for determining this one a stretch (pardon the pun). But since our time together so often includes an encouragement to bow down, I hoped to tease out the idea a bit. It’s amazing how seemingly opposing concepts dovetail perfectly when it comes to God. Take yoga and Christianity (and no I’m not equating them but just making a point). We are told to receive the Kingdom like children. We’re also called to bow, or humble ourselves. In yoga the term “Child’s Pose” is a position that resembles bowing. Essentially it’s ankles, knees, forearms and writs on the ground. No idea why it’s called “child’s pose” but good thing it is. It’s a humbling position. There’s no power in it. There’s nothing to do but simply be. At the same time there are physical benefits especially for those who spend hours a day sitting and looking at a screen, which is most of us. Child’s Pose at bare minimum stretches the lower back, hips, thighs, ankles, and promotes blood flow to the head. And it’s relaxing. What does it mean to become like a child? Well, obviously, it means to be young. We can’t make ourselves chronologically younger. And our metaphysical age will never be younger than it is right now. Eventually we will be aeons old. But we’re to be young in another way. Forever young. Youthful, energetic, in awe, flexible if you will. And oftentimes our soul takes cues from our bodies. This is why bowing down results in childlike beholding of God. How else do we humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord? We can honor God and humble ourselves with our thoughts, posture, and words - that’s really all we have. And it’s a choice. This is not simply a “God knows your heart” kind of thing. There is a command, a directive, to humble ourselves. And a pretty stern warning for those who refuse to do so. They won’t enter the Kingdom. So in closing, what will you do? Is bowing down really so difficult? In the end it’s interesting how something as small as a bow can have huge consequences. It can be good for you, reverse some of the soul-sucking aspects of aging, but most importantly, God Himself will lift you up. Who wouldn’t want that? “God I bow before You. Physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want to be childlike, and I want to be lifted up by You.”