Q: I saw an article in our newspaper the other day about a local group of people who say they believe in witchcraft and black magic and things like that. Do you think they are sincere, or are they just trying to get attention?
A: I don’t know this group’s true motives, of course—but I can assure you that some people today do believe in the kind of occult practices you mention. Furthermore, not only do they sincerely believe in them and practice them, but they often seek to persuade others to believe in them also.
The Bible is very clear, however: occult practices of any kind are directly opposed to God and His will for our lives. The reason is because they have their origin in spiritual forces that do not come from God but from our adversary, the devil. Just as the devil is absolutely opposed to God and His people, so too are his demons.
The Bible repeatedly warns us against doing anything that might open the door to their influence over us. One of the ways they gain entrance into our lives is through occult practices—even those that seem amusing or harmless. The Bible says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against … the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV).
Pray for those who have been deceived into thinking that Satan is their friend—for he is not. In addition, make sure of your commitment to Christ, and make it your goal to grow stronger in your faith every day, as you read His Word and pray and draw strength from other believers. The Bible says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).
