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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."
