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Northeast Bible Church
19185 FM 2252
Garden Ridge, TX 78266
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October 2009 |
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The supernatural is everywhere these days, and not just because Halloween is approaching. Young people are being bombarded with tales of vampires and magic powers, and they also may be intrigued by psychic claims such as ESP, palm reading, and Tarot cards. By definition, the "supernatural" includes things that people believe are real but can't be proven. Although ghosts, spirits, and the occult fall into that category, so do positive things such as God and faith.
Supernatural forces are powerful; the difference stems from the source of that power. Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), is behind supernatural phenomena that dishonor God and trick people into thinking they can be godlike. But our Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acts supernaturally on our behalf and for his glory. Meanwhile, Christians trust him based on faith, not sight.
"Dark" supernatural phenomena appeal to many teenagers because they're already dealing with powerful emotions and often searching spiritually. Many kids are curious about anything that goes beyond the definition of "normal," and some may even be attracted to perceived danger involved in the supernatural.
As with many parenting issues, the best approach to keeping your kids safe from harmful experimentation is to talk about the supernatural and be receptive to kids' questions. Don't avoid the issue, but don't hype or romanticize it, either. Assure kids that they're protected by a loving, all-powerful God who conquers evil.
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Discernment is an important life skill that kids can use to resist temptations such as evil supernatural beliefs. In Matthew 10:16 (NIV), Jesus instructs his followers to be "as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." With God's guidance, shrewd snakes can send the Serpent slithering away.
1. Snakes are cautious, patient, and sure. They're grounded in prayer and use the Bible as the final test for right and wrong.
2. Snakes stay true to themselves. They ask God to give us eyes to see situations as he does. They also approach non-Christian friends with love, not condemnation.
3. Snakes avoid danger. They steer clear of questionable movies, music, TV programs, and Web sites. While they don't live in bunkers, they shrewdly critique all aspects of their culture from a Christian perspective.
4. Snakes are deadly accurate. They evaluate all "facts" that come their way and engage in hard thinking and discussions with godly mentors who keep them on the narrow path.
(Group Magazine)
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Although relatively few kids are involved in serious anti-Christian practices, many young people are intrigued by supernatural activities.
• Almost one-third (30%) of teenagers polled say they have had supernatural encounters. More than 10% say they have communicated with the dead, and nearly 10% claim they have psychic powers.
• Almost three-quarters (73%) of U.S. teenagers have engaged in a psychic or witchcraft-related activity. The most common listed were using a Ouija board and reading about Wicca, each of which were done by more than 30% of kids.
• Only 28% of Christian teenagers remember receiving any teaching at their church in the last year that helped shape their views about the supernatural world.
(Barna Research Group)
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Every time any of us gives in to temptation, we post a spiritual real estate sign that says: "Eternal Soul Available to Demonic Kingdom...Apply Within." The good news is that we also have the choice every day to keep our souls safe in the all-powerful and loving grip of our heavenly Father. John 10:29 promises that God "is more powerful than anyone else" and "No one can snatch [us] from the Father's hand."
