As a pastor in Zambia I have cared for many people who have been destroyed by witchcraft. Therefore, this issue rests heavily on my heart and I am desperate to warn as many people as possible of the dangers of witchcraft. If you are reading this, please listen. Please hear me out. Please don’t meddle with witchcraft. For it is a sure path to destruction.
Witchcraft is a sure path to destruction.
As one article at TGC Africa puts it, behind witchcraft is “the belief that some people have spiritual powers and are able to control and influence others—positively or negatively.” But, in practice, witchcraft usually involves forming a compact with evil spirits in order to cause harm to other living beings. This is often done in an effort to protect oneself from others, or perceived threats. But in the end, it is both enslaving and dangerous.
Meddling In The World of Darkness
In addition to flirting with evil spirits, the excesses of witchcraft are in and of themselves enough evidence that the practice should be avoided at all costs. In the name of witchcraft people have sacrificed their children to fire, dabbled in sorcery as well as divination, cast spells, and consulted the dead through mediums and spiritists. Such meddling in the world of darkness is bound to not only harm yourself but others too.
Meddling in the world of darkness is bound to not only harm yourself but others too.
In Zambia this is so pervasive that it is found literally everywhere—in farming, in fishing, in hunting, in homes, in work places, in churches, among politicians, everywhere. The world of witchcraft is therefore a booming ‘business.’ Its power is sought out and offered in transactions similar to the way that one might take out a loan.
It is sad that there are a lot of people, including pastors, who go to church on Sunday and then meddle with witchcraft the rest of the week. Their homes and workplaces are full of charms. This is wrong. Such people should not think that they are going to heaven.
God Detests Witchcraft
Be warned! However common witchcraft might be, it is both wrong and evil.
The Bible says, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Anyone who does these things is an abomination to the LORD. Therefore, keep away from it.
However common witchcraft might be, it is both wrong and evil.
Many people know about witchcraft and are afraid of it. They try to protect themselves from it but they go back to witchcraft itself for protection. But safety will not be found in the company of such a dangerous practise. The Bible warns us in Isaiah 8:19, “When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” Thus, protection from witchcraft is only found in God.
The Enslaving Power Of Witchcraft
Witchcraft destroys because it enslaves. People who seek protection through it soon find that they are hunting other people down, following absurd directions from spiritists and mediums. Tragically this leads to strange disappearances and ultimately murder. Horrifyingly, the bodies of those who are murdered are often discovered with body parts cut off.
Witchcraft is a deceitful power that cuts across class and generational divides.
Witchcraft is a deceitful power that cuts across class and generational divides. Wealthy people have lost their fortune trying to protect it through witchcraft. Innocent people have been killed because a witch pointed to them as the cause behind someone’s financial woes. In this case there is not only loss of life but deception making someone into a murderer. HIV has been passed onto little children by elderly men because of the advice of sorcerers. These men are told that the only way they will be cured of some persistent illness is by having sex with a minor or virgin. Rape ensues.
We Have Been Warned
The Bible warns us in Zechariah 10:2 that “diviners see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore, the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd.” Never believe such lies. When sick, go to the hospital!
In the Old Testament we read this: “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death” (Leviticus 20:27). In other words witchcraft must be taken seriously. It is not a trivial affair. A person who destroys other people’s lives must be appropriately brought to justice according to the country’s laws.
Run From Witchcraft To God
God promises protection to those who are really his children who seek refuge in him. He says, “You will not fear the terror of night… nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday… If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you” (Psalm 91:5-10). There is in him both protection and forgiveness. He is a shelter from evil forces and one who can save us from the consequences of our own evil. Make him your refuge today.
