Dear Dr. Graham: My friend claims to believe in God, but she also has become fascinated with some kind of witchcraft recently. She doesn’t see any contradiction in this, but I’m not so sure. What would you say? – Mrs. N.F.
GrahamDear Mrs. N.F.: Witchcraft of any type is an attempt to manipulate spiritual forces for our own purposes (either for good or for evil). It may use charms or incantations or other kinds of mystical practices to try to harness these spiritual powers, and people who start out with a casual curiosity about them often end up totally absorbed and unable to break free.
The Bible rejects all such practices, and strongly warns us against getting involved with them. The reason is because they seek power not from God but from spiritual forces that are actually opposed to God. The Bible reminds us that these spiritual forces are real, and they can be very destructive: “For our struggle is … against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Pray for your friend, and ask God to help you talk with her frankly about her interest in the occult. Often people get involved in such things out of curiosity, without realizing the dangers that can result. Anything that turns us away from God and his plan for our lives is spiritually dangerous.
Encourage her instead to turn to Christ. Only he can satisfy the spiritual hunger in her heart, and only he can give us peace in the midst of life’s storms. Urge her not to be deceived, but to put her faith and trust in Christ and his love.
Dear Dr. Graham: My grandmother gave me a Bible a few weeks ago when I graduated from high school but I can’t make any sense out of it. For one thing, the language is so old-fashioned that I can’t understand it. Is the Bible just for preachers? – V.J.
Dear V.J.: Your grandmother gave you the greatest gift she possibly could – the word of God. The Bible isn’t just another book; it isn’t even one of the greatest books that has ever been written. The Bible is God’s word, given to us so we can come to know him, love him and serve him. As the psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).
And I want to assure you that the Bible isn’t just for preachers! God wants to speak to you – and he will, if you will make the effort to listen to his word and apply it to your life. The Bible says, “Do not merely listen to the word. … Do what it says” (James 1:22).
How can you do this? First, get a Bible you can understand. Perhaps your grandmother gave you an older translation that she has loved over the years – but if you find it difficult to understand, a newer translation will be of more use to you. You don’t want to offend your grandmother, of course, but your Christian bookstore can suggest a modern translation you can use in addition to the one she gave you.
Then set aside time each day to read your Bible – even if it’s only a few minutes at first. I suggest you begin with one of the Gospels (such as John). There you will discover the greatest news of all – that God loves you, and Christ came to save you.