By Kristine McGuire
"How do I protect myself from witchcraft?"
Believe it or not, I have been asked that question by Christians a lot. Whether it's a parent concerned for their child or an individual seeking the information for themselves, there is one thing this question makes very clear to me.
Many Christians are operating from a place of fear.
Now, don't get me wrong. It is reasonable to be aware of the occult and the (underlying) deceptive powers which fuel its many beliefs and practices. I encourage Christians to search their Bibles for answers about such things as divination, spirit communication, psychic ability, the paranormal, and (obviously) witchcraft. I believe Christians should be talking about the occult, supernatural, and the paranormal rather than ignoring it all together.But there is no reason to be fearful.
Neither do we want to be flippant when it comes to these topics or spiritual warfare (a lesson I've learned over the past five years). In fact, the Bible tells us in Jude 1: 8-9 (NLT) "In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
As Christians, we should approach spiritual warfare with humility. We take authority over spirits in JESUS name "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). The Bible (God's WORD) is our weapon which is "…alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
We need to remember it is God who goes before us: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) Once we grab that truth, do you honestly believe we have any reason to be worried or fearful about witchcraft?
Having said that, do we need to guard our hearts and minds with the truth?
YES!
Even as we become aware of witchcraft (or other practices of the occult), our focus must always be on God, not the enemy. As Christians, we must be aware how we can be drawn into false teaching or sinful practices if we are not mindful of our relationship with the Lord. As much as people like to deny it, we can be drawn away from God's truth (the Bible) through what we read or watch or even the people we hang with regularly.
Do Christians need to worry about witchcraft being used against them?
No. The majority of Wiccans and witches I know are concerned with their own lives and families. Most Wiccans follow The Rede, which admonishes "an it harm none, do what thou wilt". The Wiccans I know take that very seriously. Witches live by their own personal or ethical/religious standards. But even if witchcraft were to be employed against a believer in Christ—why should we be afraid?
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. "Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)
As a Christian, I focus on WHO I serve, rather than any potential weirdness or worries over what this world (or the enemy) might throw at me.
Operating in fear cripples our witness to friends, family, and other people within our sphere of influence. Fear calls God's power and love into question, tampering with our faith. Personally, I'd rather concentrate on the greatness of our God (who has already overcome the enemy and all his schemes) and share the Lord's way of salvation to all who will listen—especially those caught up in witchcraft.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 31:8 (NLT)
You are so right that operating in fear is the victory of the enemy. But when we operate in fear it also blocks God's protection. He cannot operate in an atmosphere of fear because it shows our lack of faith in Him and questions His power.It is not God's nature to be afraid.
ReplyDeleteThe first thought we need to have is Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the World. (1John 4:4) and then remember that Christ allowed himself to be sacrificed so He could conquer death and Hell and all of the devil's power over us.
In my experience the Wiccans don't bother anyone. If you do meet a really nasty Dark Magic practitioner, they don't want to be in the vicinity of a spirit filled Christian. If you feel that someone is trying to curse you, seek spiritual guidance from someone like Pastor Mike or a deliverance minister, but don't sucumb to fear..or they can get a stronghold that is harder to break.
Get your scriptures ready, your prayer life steady and praise music blasting out the devil's ears.
Thank you for this excellent article Kristine! As you alluded, so many of the biblical principles you mention are transferable to lots other occultic practices and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that fear of this or that, is often more dangerous than the thing we are fearing...gives the devil a foothold. So, great reminder of reasons not to fear.