Protecting Yourself from Harmful Spiritual Influences

People today have a variety of beliefs concerning the existence of the devil. In today's modern thinking, it's somewhat more acceptable, in some people's belief, to believe that the devil is a metaphor for evil. At the other end of the spectrum are those who attribute every misfortune in life, no matter how trivial, to the devil. Both of these beliefs are problematic, because one fails to explain how great evil can happen. The other is equally as problematic because it gives too much credit to the devil and makes belief in his existence seem ludicrous.

Satan is the enemy of mankind, and Christians are his chief target because he was defeated by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. While full-on possessions of the kind that happened in the New Testament are somewhat rare, Satan has numerous other ways of trying to torment or harm God's people. People can be drawn away from God by worldly things or ambitions. Legalistic doctrines that turn people away from God and cause them to focus on their own abilities instead of His love and mercy are another one of the devil's ways. Involvement in the occult or witchcraft can lead to more severe oppression. The way that most people easily fall prey to the devil's attacks is by neglecting their relationship with Christ, or renouncing Him once they've accepted Him.

We are saved by the grace of God through faith, not our works (Ephesians 2:8-10). However, this doesn't give us any excuse to go back to living the way we did before knowing Christ. It's definitely true that there is assurance of salvation for someone who has accepted Christ as Lord (John 10:27-30) No one, not even the devil, has the authority to take us out of God's grace. However, as seen in the Scriptures, we can make a conscious choice to stop following Christ (Hebrews 10:26-30) A person's ceasing to follow Christ isn't typically something that happens all at once. For a lot of people, it happens in stages: first, church attendance and personal prayer slack off, then God ceases to be a priority in the person's life.

A strong, solid walk with Christ can help protect against Satan's attempts to draw us out of God's family. Regular worship and personal/family prayer are essential. As part of the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:12-26), we can't truly fulfill God's purposes for us by willingly "going alone" without the benefit of a larger fellowship. We are more closely joined with Christ and His larger fellowship when we share the sacrament of Holy Communion (John 6:27-67). We should always pray for the grace of final perseverance and that we are able to resist returning a a former way of life that wasn't spiritually filling.

Much has been written about things that people must avoid so as to not fall victim to satanic oppression. These lists can range from obviously harmful occult practices to even avoiding movies that depict fantasy witchcraft and books that show artifacts from other religions. People must use discernment and common sense. I believe there is a considerable degree of difference between fantasy witchcraft and witchcraft that people actually practice in real life. The former is not harmful in and of itself if their interest doesn't dominate and control the person's life. The latter very well can be. Also, objects in and of themselves aren't evil. It's the intent that they're used for that is the problem.

What does one do when they and/or their family find themselves the victim of demonic attacks? First, it should be determined if anyone has engaged in behavior that may have opened a door. Unrepentant, severe sin can open a door to the demonic, as well as some type of occult involvement. A person who has ceased active occult involvement should still repent of it in their prayers. In some cases, it is not due to anything that anyone or their family has done. Sometimes a demonic entity will oppress a person or family due to their hatred of mankind. This can be especially scary and upsetting for the people involved, who may be at a loss.

Sacred objects, such as rosaries, icons and medals of Christ or the saints displayed in the house can sometimes help, as can use of holy water. None of these items have power in and of themselves, nor are they magical, in any sense. It's the faith associated with those who use them and how they symbolize that faith that makes the difference. Family members should pray frequently, preferably together. This creates an environment that makes it difficult for demonic entities to abide there.

Also helpful is a house blessing. House blessings typically include prayers that ask for God's protection over the inhabitants. In many denominations, a house blessing can also include a communion service. This can serve to help bring the family together in Christian unity. It can be much harder for the devil to harm or oppress a family that's united together in prayer.

In some very extreme circumstances, an exorcism may be called for after mental or emotional causes are ruled out. This should only be performed be a member of the clergy with a strong personal prayer life and an understanding of what they're battling against. Others may be called on to assist with prayer during the service. Sadly, many clergy these days are skeptical about exorcism and don't see a need for it. Deliverance ministry teams who pray regularly for those being oppressed can also be of great help. Before enlisting a deliverance ministry, it's a good idea to find out what they believe.

While the devil is still very real and powerful, we can easily resist him if we have the right tools.