BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Bible Basics Where do you draw the line?

I've been on a spiritual journey trying to deepen my relationship with God. In the process, I've been introduced to such concepts as the chakra's, radionics, subtle energies, essential oils, meditation, etc. The Bible warns us about engaging in anything of the occult but just what is considered the occult and what is of God? Where do you draw the line?

Thanks,
Watchdog

Let's define some terms first so that I may give as accurate an explanation as possible from a common perspective.

Some of the things you list that you have been introduced to are from cults and/or the occult. "It is often said that the term cult and the occult are two sides of the same coin.

It is true that there are common aspects of both terms and often some blurring occurs; cults frequently practice aspects of the occult and occult groups are (in a larger aspect of the word) themselves cults" (Watchman Fellowship).

For the purposes of this post, "the term cult,refers to groups that claim to be Christian or compatible with Christianity, but when their theology and practices are examined, they are found to be contrary to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith.

Frequently cults will exploit their followers through the abuse of religious authority, forms of mind control, or psychological abuse, often in the name of Christ.

Occult organizations, however, seldom claim to be Christian churches. Occult practices are less frequently billed as compatible with Christianity (although there are exceptions).

The term "occult" is derived from the latin word occultus which means to cover up, to hide, or those things which are hidden or secret. When used in this [post]the word "occult" means any attempt to gain supernatural knowledge or power apart from the God of the Bible" (Watchman Fellowship www.watchman.org).

Now, "what is of God"? That which is of God brings man closer to God by motivation and/or correction, and to glorify God.

False Satanic/occultic practices, beliefs, "non-worship" of a god(s) and offices are intended to purvey at least some element of deception � to lead man farther from God, and away from the absolute truth of the Bible.

Test the practice by the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit:
Is the practice in obedience to the Law of God?
Does the practice lead others toward God and toward His truth and not inward into our own sinful selves/mind/reasoning?
Does the practice glorify God � not exalt the self?
Does the practice encourage serving as a member within the spiritual Body of Jesus Christ?

To know what is of God, we must study and obey His Word without mixing the things that are falsely "compatible." Examine the Word, pray, and continue to ask questions.

Hope this helps.

If it doesn't line up with Scripture in the Bible, then it is not of God.

To me I don't see essential oils, meditation, chakras being of the cult or occultish. I see them as using things given to us by G-d (the essence of His creation like cinnamon oil, etc) and using it to come closer with ourselves and thus Him.

I think some people are too quick to label some things cultish.

I think you do need to follow your intuition as well as your own beliefs. In my opinion (I am not Baptist) meditation could be along the same lines as prayer, and oils well they are used still today as anointment and baptism, ceremonies, and incense are also still used. If you are in doubt, have a talk with your pastor, priest, elder or whomever you feel comfortable asking.

I am a strongly conservative Christian, and also a massage therapist - so this question is something I've worked with in my own life and practice.

Aromatic oils are VERY scriptural! Jesus himself was given oils to celebrate his birth and if you remember, the prostitute who washed his feet, bathed them in annointing oil....basically the Biblical version of essential oils. (the methods of making the oils were different then because as far as we can tell they were still at least 300 years away from modern steam distillation techniques)

Anyway - some of what you mention would be clearly against Scripture, but other things - like essential oils, herbs and massage, would not (in my opinion) go against Scripture.

In fact it amazes me how often the massage techniques I utilize in my practice coincide with Scriptural principles and verses! :-D

Great question though.

Angela <><

I think we need to remember why we are here. God created us for a reason...because He wanted a relationship with someone. He wanted communication. Define your purpose. Why are you still here? Look to His Word and pray for a discerning heart to know what is of Him and what is not. God bless,

Maybe you've answered your own question without really noticing it!
The key word I see is 'relationship'. Think of all the relationships in life - they're all 2-way which is what our relationship with God should be. We can strive all we want to communicate with Him and try all sorts to help in that, but at the end of the day we also need to hear Him and RELATE with Him. He is our friend, our Father, our Saviour we should be longing to get to know Him more and to spend more time with Him.

We often spend time preparing ourselves to see people we have relationships with, and so yes, we can prepare ourselves for spending time with God, but it's important to remember that the preparation itself is not the most important part of a relationship, it's the time spent together that really matters.

We can try too hard to prepare and then not have time and energy just to be in His company and presence. So my advice would be to keep preparations simple, read His word to get to know Him more, and pray continually (Pray is a verb after all)