How can we guard against influences similar to those in 2 Chronicles 33:6? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 33:6 paints a dark picture of King Manasseh: “He burned his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.” The verse highlights influences that pull hearts away from God—occult practices, violence against the vulnerable, and open rebellion. Though the specific acts may look different today, the same spiritual dangers remain. Recognize Today’s Parallels • Occult entertainment: movies, games, and books that glamorize witchcraft or spiritism • “Harmless” horoscopes, tarot readings, crystals, and other New Age practices • Cultural pressure to sacrifice convictions—sometimes even families—for career, success, or pleasure • Voices that promote self-rule over God’s rule, encouraging us to redefine good and evil Why God Warns Us • Such practices open doors to deception and bondage (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • They provoke the Lord’s righteous anger because they replace trust in Him with trust in dark powers (Isaiah 8:19-20). • They lead to spiritual death and exclusion from God’s kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). Practical Steps to Guard Our Hearts • Test every influence. “Test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Reject compromise immediately—no “small dabbling.” Even curiosity gives the enemy a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). • Saturate the mind with Scripture daily; truth exposes counterfeit spirituality (Psalm 119:105; Colossians 3:16). • Filter entertainment choices: if it celebrates what God condemns, turn it off (Psalm 101:3). • Remove items tied to occult or idolatry from your home (Acts 19:18-19). Strengthening Our Defense • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). – Belt of truth: know what Scripture says about the occult. – Shield of faith: trust God’s sufficiency, refusing alternate powers. – Sword of the Spirit: speak God’s Word when tempted. • Submit to God and resist the devil; he will flee (James 4:7). • Stay alert; the adversary looks for openings (1 Peter 5:8). • Walk in close fellowship with believers who will lovingly confront drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouraging One Another When we stand together—parents guiding children, friends sharpening friends, churches cultivating discerning communities—we build a culture where Christ is treasured, darkness is exposed, and future “Manasseh moments” are disarmed before they begin. |
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