Heads in the Sand

In the last few days I have witnessed a sad but all too common truth that many Christians have their heads in the sand when dealing with people who are involved in the occult.

Truly, this kind of response breaks my heart.

By responding in this way, many Christians are effectively abandoning people and reinforcing a very negative view of the church. Yet these very people being shut out of relationships are the ones who we are commanded to love and share the truth of the gospel with through our lives.

There are so many people hurting in this world and we should be lifting them up in prayer daily (weekly, yearly), offering them refuge during the emotional storms of life, providing for their needs, answering their questions, reaching out a hand in friendship, and accepting them where they are at while showing them what God's word says about sin and His way of forgiveness and salvation.

Yet there are Christians who hear words such as witchcraft, occultism, paranormal, supernatural and suddenly outstretched hands withdraw and harsh words of condemnation too often cross the lips. I can only assume this reaction is based in fear but of what? The devil? Is there some concern that by speaking to someone who dabbles, or is deeply immersed, in occultism that they will some how place a marksman's target on the Christian's back so it's better to avoid people or conversations altogether? What drives this desire to hide or stuff fingers in ears while speaking very loudly and walking quickly in the other direction?
I can only believe this attitude is playing into the enemy's hands as we shy away from difficult discussions and do not share Christ's love with someone who needs it.

As Christians we are "not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). There is no reason for us to "shun" a person who is involved in the occult (especially if that person is a Christian or churched person!) or any sin for that matter, but rather should embrace them with friendship. Do we participate in their activities because we smile at them or are willing to have a conversation or invite them to dinner?  

No, of course not!

What we are doing is living like Jesus. Following the example of our Lord, who ate with tax collectors and sinners while telling them the truth. The person may decide they are happy in their own way and we may have to agree to "disagree" but we should never, ever dismiss anyone and asking God to change their heart.

Embracing people of other belief systems, religions, or faiths in friendship should certainly not put us in danger of losing our own way with Jesus and this includes people involved in the occult. Christians certainly do not need to develop an unhealthy interest in the occult and mystical things of the world around us but we certainly do need to be aware of the allure these activities have for many people. The reality is that our society is steeped in the supernatural and Christians are being drawn into it as well. Ignoring this and the people who are drawn to such things as Wicca, divination, ghosts, the occult and yes, the odd but growing syncretist move toward "Christian" witchcraft and mysticism, is to deny the very command God has placed upon us to be salt and light to this world.

So let's be the people we are called to be as Christians. Let's immerse ourselves in the scripture so we can know what it says and apply it to our lives. We can reach out to ALL people who do not know or understand the truth of the gospel, following Jesus Christ's example. Most importantly, let's be that light that is not hidden but shining brightly, drawing people to God through love, and grace.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17 (NIV)

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