An extended family member is planning to become a Reiki master, which from my understanding is some kind of false spiritual healer. I have cautioned them about engaging in the demonic realm. How can I show my concern, while keeping my family safe?
The Bible is clear that God’s children should steer clear of sorcery or other occult practices. If the family member claims to be a Christian, their willingness to engage in such things should cast some doubt on their faith in Christ. Paul teaches that interest in sorcery may be a mark of unbelief:
Gal. 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
Gal. 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal. 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Secondly, Paul warns us to be wary of participating in any activity that honors or acknowledges demons:
1Cor. 10:20 No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.
1Cor. 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
1Cor. 10:22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?
Therefore, we recommend discretion and caution in associating with anyone who engages in such practices.
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