DEAR REV. GRAHAM: My aunt is really into things like fortunetelling and astrology. She says she even thinks it's possible to make contact with the spirits of dead people. Is this just a harmless hobby (like she claims it is), or could it be something more?
-- K.S.
DEAR K.S.: Your aunt may have convinced herself that this is only a harmless hobby, but in reality it's not.
One reason is because even if she thinks it's only a hobby, your aunt wouldn't be pursuing it if she didn't think these things were true. In addition (as you indicate elsewhere in your letter), her interest in these things has grown over the years, indicating that she is taking them more and more seriously. Can she look you in the eye and say she knows they are false and will only mislead her? I doubt it. The Bible says, "An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies" (Proverbs 14:5).
But not only is she in danger of believing things that aren't true, she also is in danger of becoming involved with spiritual occult powers that are hostile to God. They will do everything they can to bind themselves to her and lead her away from God, and nothing could be more serious. This is why the Bible says, "Let no one be found among you ... who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens ... or who consults the dead" (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
Pray that your aunt will not only turn from these practices, but will turn to Jesus Christ and find her hope and security in Him. God alone knows the future, and when we know Christ, we know we can trust our lives and our futures into His hands, now and for all eternity.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
ActiveStyle on 04/25/2016