Around this time of year, many decorations, costumes, and movies incorporate witches. From cute and kid-friendly to creepy and grotesque, witches and Halloween go hand in hand. While there may be some innocent fun to be had, Christians should recognize that actual witchcraft is sinful. In fact, under the Mosaic Law, witchcraft was one of the sins that could incur the death penalty. It was a severe offense.
Thankfully, witchcraft is not common in our part of the world. But we are often plagued by equally dangerous things that may not be taken as seriously. Samuel once told King Saul, “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”[1] You probably don’t ply the dark arts, and I doubt you bow down to images and idols. But do you rebel against God? Do you stubbornly hold to your ways instead of turning to God’s? Rebellion and stubbornness are no mere hocus-pocus—they are deadly attitudes condemned by God.
[1] 1 Samuel 15:23, NKJV