Because they don't know spiritual matters, the wicked are capable of doing unbelievable things to get closer to God, but this is unnecessary. When they learn that they can meet the Lord in the Word, they begin to walk with the Father. With this, the faith that works wonders germinates, and the work is done. The opposite happens if we are taught the religious doctrines that exist in the world.

         When Jacob saw that his sons had acted insanely, killing Shechem, his father, and every man in the town, because the prince had abused Dinah, Jacob's daughter, the Lord sent the patriarch to Bethel, where He had met with him (Genesis 34 and 35). Jacob wanted a change in his household and felt that his people should reform the faith they had practiced until then, because there were gods among them that were foreign to God's promises to the patriarch and his descendants.

          One of Jacob's concerns was the possession of idols, which in themselves are nothing. But if his children put their trust in these vain beliefs, they would have no way of activating true faith. He took the following stance: And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, 'Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves and change your garments (Genesis 35.2). Do something similar for your own good!

           It is essential to rid your home of mysticism. Although such involvement is no match for those who serve the true God, you should take note of what the Lord said about people giving in to demons: He who sacrifices to any god except to the Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed (Exodus 22.20). Be careful! This must never happen in your family, because it is a sin to open your heart to the prohibitions of the Word.

         The Most High forbade the children of Israel to make an alliance with the peoples of Canaan, who were mystical and gave themselves over to various idols. One such god was so wicked that he asked for child sacrifices in exchange for good harvests, something repugnant in the Father's eyes. The Israelites could not ally themselves with any of those people or their gods (Exodus 23:32). We are holy to God!

       The Lord's prohibitions protected Jacob's sons from submitting to the devil. The reason for forbidding them to associate with the Canaanites and other peoples of the region was explained thus: They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you (Exodus 23.33). Flee from these evil snares!

           Moses made a comparison between the true God and the idols of other peoples, teaching us something we need to learn: For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? (Deuteronomy 4.7). Pay attention, because our God wants to answer us immediately!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares