I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. (John 12:46)
In the past, occult and mystical practices were veiled in secrecy making them even more mysterious. However, today, the situation has flipped, becoming a widespread trend openly embraced by people of all ages. Unfortunately, many youths are being drawn into this dark realm without fully understanding the spiritual implications of their actions. What may begin as innocent curiosity or a desire for self-expression can quickly lead to entanglement in forbidden realms that oppose God’s truth. Christian youths need to be equipped to recognize and resist the subtle deceptions of the enemy.
Many Christians mistakenly assume that every supernatural occurrence comes from God, but this is not the case. Satan is also capable of performing signs and wonders. Consider the story of Moses in Pharaoh’s court. When Pharaoh summoned his wise men, sorcerers, and magicians, they were able to replicate some of Moses’ miracles. They turned their staff into serpents, just like Moses did. They mimicked his other miracles as well, matching him blow for blow. It was not until Moses performed his fourth miracle that they admitted defeat, acknowledging that it was the finger of God at work.
The Scriptures warn us against dabbling in practices that are contrary to God’s commands and principles ‘let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you’ (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). God explicitly forbids involvement in witchcraft, divination, sorcery, and other occult activities, declaring them detestable to the Lord. Yet, in a society that glamorizes witchcraft and supernatural phenomena, many young Christians are lured into experimentation without fully comprehending the spiritual dangers they are exposing themselves to.
One of the most dangerous aspects of occult practices is their deceptive nature. What may initially appear harmless or even empowering can quickly ensnare unsuspecting youths in a web of darkness and deception. From Ouija boards and tarot cards to astrology and spellcasting to crystals and magic stones to demonic games and dark entertainment to demonic symbols and satanic concerts, the occult presents a counterfeit spirituality that promises enlightenment but delivers only spiritual bondage and confusion. Moreover, the enemy often disguises his schemes as harmless entertainment or self-improvement techniques, designed to entice, seduce, and manipulate minds. Thus, leading unsuspecting youths down a path of spiritual compromise. The appeal of power, fame, wealth, prestige, and forbidden knowledge can cloud judgment and blind youths to the inherent dangers of their actions.
Educating youths about the spiritual realities behind the facade of the occult and teaching them the art of spiritual warfare will equip them with discernment and spiritual knowledge to recognize the enemy’s tactics. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Christian youths must know how to rely on the power of prayer and the authority of Christ to overcome the forces of darkness. James 4:7 exhorts “submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
In Christ alone do we find the true source of light and life. ‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind ‘(John 1:4). Navigating the realm of unseen darkness is shining the light of Christ into the darkest corners of our world, proclaiming freedom and victory in his name. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Prayers
1. Anything in my life that will make me a candidate of deception, Lord, take it out of my life in Jesus name.
2. O Lord deliver me from every deception in Jesus name.
3. I refuse to be a testing ground for the devil in Jesus name.
4. Power of God, damage my spiritual ignorance, in Jesus name.
5. Blood of Jesus, cleanse me body, soul, and spirit in Jesus name.
6. Uncontrolled curiosity, inviting darkness into my life, break in the name of Jesus.