Monday, July 23, 2018

July 23 Thought for the day...today's witchcraft and hatred


When you think of witchcraft, you may think of the Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, or some other form of pure evil. However, the Holy Spirit reminds us that it is a work of the flesh that like all works of the flesh is a counterfeit to a blessing God has for us. Let's take a look together.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5: 19-21

This translation uses the word "sorcery" for witchcraft, but the root word is the same root for our modern word pharmaceuticals. In Rome, at this time, people would go to the pagan temples looking for healing from their pain, heartache, and difficulties. What the priest would do is give them various drugs which would not cure their ailment permanently, instead they would get them "high," so they cared about nothing. This was a problem then and is a real problem now. Much of the struggle in our culture is regarding drug use, sales, and everything about it. God wants to be the one who gives real hope, heals every disease of the body, mind, and soul. Instead, some have chosen witchcraft (sorcery) to turn to for their temporary relief. God has real relief in mind. Everyone and anyone who uses drugs other than for their prescribed use are trying to handle a problem in an anti-Christ way. Christ brings freedom, peace, and hope if we will choose to allow Him.

The big "H" here the translation reads hostility, but the root is much deeper than that it would be more akin to "hatred, extreme hostility." This word pictures people who cannot get along with each other. They have deep issues with each other, holding resentments, grievances, complaints, and grudges that go way back in time and have very deep roots. Something occurred along the way that caused one or both of them to be offended. Instead of letting go of the offense, they became divided, hostile, and fiercely opposed to each other. Now they are antagonistic, aggressive, and harsh. They hate each other. They have a grudge and are determined to hold on to it.

We are called to love one another even to love and pray for those who hurt us. Don't misunderstand we are not to be doormats walked over by someone. God is our defender, protector, justifier. There have been so many times in my life where someone has come against me with false accusations, lies, or blatant slander. I have found that defending myself is not an option. Those who know me generally don't believe it or need a defense and those who don't need to see me walk in integrity, so they see for themselves the accusations are unfounded. Loving people, especially those who don't love you or may seem to be your enemies is hard, but it is exactly what Jesus did. He calls us to overcome not be overcome. The tools we have are the power of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit these two things will cause love to win every time!

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