A 2022 poll by YouGov found that 27% of Americans and 37% of adults under 30 believe in astrology. In fact, 31% of those are Catholics and 22% are Protestants. However, this belief has only increased as social media and celebrities have increased its popularity. Many newspapers include daily horoscopes that advise on how to act or what to expect each day. To understand why this growing belief is concerning, we need to see how astrology is different from science.
Astrology vs Astronomy
Astrology often gets confused with astronomy, but the two are very different. Astronomy is a science focused on studying stars, planets, and space; it helps us understand God’s creation. Astrology, however, is not scientific. It’s a belief system that attempts to predict personal events or personality traits by interpreting celestial movements.
Astrology revolves around the “zodiac,” a term from the Greek word “zodiakos,” meaning “circle of animals,” derived from “zoon,” which means animal. This term refers to constellations associated with animals along the zodiac’s path. This “zodiac belt” represented the course through which the sun, moon, and planets appear to move over the year, which would then have an influence on a person’s personality or destiny.
While this belief is growing in cultural popularity and may seem innocent on the surface, we as believers should be on the lookout. To understand why, it’s essential to see the origins of this belief system.
What Does the Bible Say About Astrology?
The Bible clearly warns against astrology. In Isaiah 47:13-14, God rebukes Babylon and its astrologers, telling them that their reliance on the stars will not protect them from judgment. We also see in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 that divination is seen as a detestable act to God. And similarly, we see in 2 Chronicles 33:1-6 that the worship of heavenly bodies is associated with evil.
Unlike astrology, which tries to use the stars for control or prediction of a person’s future or destiny, astronomy, as a science, simply studies the stars and appreciates them as the creation that God made.
Reasons Why People Use Astrology:
Curiosity: Curiosity is a natural human trait; however, turning to the stars instead of to God for these answers places our trust in creation, not the Creator.
Fun: Astrology is often seen as an innocent act, but if the “prediction” is not from God, it becomes a deceptive tool that can draw people into occult practices.
Fascination with the occult: It offers a form of spirituality that doesn’t challenge us with concepts like sin, repentance, or God’s judgment. However, any belief that lacks this is hollow and false.
Avoidance of personal responsibility: As Dr. Bob Larson points out, astrology promotes a belief that fate is controlled by the stars rather than by God’s will and our choices. Christianity, in contrast, teaches that our lives are influenced by God’s sovereignty and our actions. Astrology can become a way to avoid accountability, leading many people to not take responsibility for their choices.
Power and control: Many turn to astrology to feel a sense of control over their lives. However, while having self-control is positive, true guidance and empowerment come from God, not the stars. Any power that claims to offer control while originating outside of God, will only lead us away from God’s purpose.
3 Reasons Why Horoscopes are Wrong
1. They divert trust from God.
Relying on astrology places trust in creation rather than in the Creator. This act goes against the first commandment which tells us to worship and trust in Him alone. By doing this we are diverting our trust from God.
2. They allow for loss of personal responsibility.
Horoscopes make people believe that their destiny is set out for them in the stars and therefore, they don’t have much say. However, this is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible states that there is a sovereign God, but we also have a role to play in the way our life turns out.
3. Fascination with the occult
Taking part in this can open individuals up to demonic influence because it is an act that is in contradiction to the Bible and can be a distraction from believing and placing your trust in God.
Final Thoughts
If you have dabbled with astrology and horoscopes, I would encourage you to close those doors to the enemy through repentance. Choose to refocus on the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in regards to questions about your future and your destiny.
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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Mikhail Nilov at Pexels
When I was young and curious, I decided it would be a good idea to go into the neighbor’s dog house. I didn’t see a dog around so I went inside. It turns out the dog was around the corner and when he sees me, he launches towards my leg and I end up getting bit. I learned a very powerful lesson that day–if you don’t want to get bitten, don’t go near the dog’s territory.
The same thing can be said fin regards to demons. People like to believe that they can dabble in the occult or watch porn, or even smoke weed without any spiritual repercussions, but the truth is, if you step on the devil’s territory, he has every right to harass you, hurt you, and torment you. These are the most common doors that can lead to demons infiltrating your life.
Common Open Doors
1. Generational Curses
Another way of saying it is demons that were inherited through the bloodline. For instance, if someone in the family did witchcraft and never repented and broke that off of their family, then those demons have been passed on generationally.
The same is true when it comes to abuse or different forms of addictions.
2. An Unwanted Pregnancy
If the child in the womb is hated, not desired, or rejected since birth by the parents or the family, then that gets transmitted to the child. This opens the door for a spirit of rejection to affect the child throughout their life. It also manifests through rebellion as the child grows up.
3. Growing Up in a Broken Home
When a child grows up in a broken home, it does not only create emotional and cognitive issues, but also spiritual ones. As the child is faced with uncertainty and pressures that they are not equipped to handle at such a young age, demons can use this instability to harass and torment the child/person. This environment is a facilitator for the spirit of anger and hatred to come in at a very young age.
4. Involvement in the Occult
When you dabble into the occult, you are choosing to blatantly engage with the demonic. The occult ranges from astrology, witchcraft, tarot cards, black/white magic, ouija boards, horoscopes, talking to the dead etc.
Even though our culture seems to have accepted, and even embraced these practices, Scripture has not changed, and continues to condemn it and the practice of it.
5. Taking Part in a False Religion
There are some believers that desire to learn about other religions saying that they want to win those people to the Lord. Now, this is a good thing to a certain point. There is a certain line that must be kept in order to refrain from opening the doors to demons, because what can end up happening is that a believer will begin to study the other religion so much that they become so open minded and accept all truths, that they start to deny what the Bible claims. That is where it gets dangerous and could lead to deception.
6. Bringing Demonic Objects Into Your Life
The spiritual world is real, and spiritual power can flow through people, places, animals and objects. In fact, the Bible shows us that God used Moses’s rod, the waters of Jordan to heal, the saliva of Jesus to open the eyes of the blind and even the handkerchief of Paul. God can use any avenue to bring about healing. In the same way, the enemy can use objects to bring about his plans of destruction to your life.
This includes occult books, things that have been ritually “cleansed”, charms, dreamcatchers, etc. By bringing these items into your home, you are opening your life and your home to the demonic.
7. Abuse
This is probably the most common open door in the West. Abuse causes deep inner wounds that give way for demons to cause further torment for that individual.
As unfair as this is, we must understand that the spiritual world works in accordance to spiritual laws. WHen an abuse happens, it automatically opens a door for a demon.
8. Illicit Sexual Encounters
Sex is not just a physical act, it has spiritual repercussions. Because it is spiritual in nature, it affects the soul, the mind, and the emotions.
An individual become one flesh, according to Scripture, with the partner they come together with (1 Cor. 6:16). Demons can be transferred from one person to another by partaking in sexual acts outside of marriage.
9. Abortion
When we commit an injustice towards others it brings a curse upon our life. The Bible is very clear in saying that murder is sin, and therefore brings about a curse on our lives (Matthew 5:21-22).
10. Ungodly Entertainment
When we begin to fill up our time and out life with ungodly sources of entertainment, they could lead the way to an open door. Movies, T.V. shows, and music are all portals that satan can use to influence the minds of people. If you are not careful about what you watch and listen to, its influence will become stronger in your life.
11. A Moment of Weakness
The devil looks for moments of weakness to try and enter into our lives. We’re not perfect people, and sometimes we can snap, act in a way that is not right, or watch something we shouldn’t have. When we don’t repent to God and to the person we hurt, and then change our behavior, then that’s where it could become an open door. This happens when the person chooses the sin instead of turning from it.
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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Merve at Pexels
We must be careful of our words and how we use them, especially those who have spiritual authority: like a mother or father over a child, a husband over his wife or what we speak overselves; there is power in the tongue to bring life or death.
“Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
What Does Life and Death In The Power Of The Tongue Mean?
It means that the words we speak have an incredible power to shape our lives and the lives of others. Our words can be used as a tool to bring life—by bringing encouragement, comfort, and hope—or to bring death—by spreading hurtful lies, gossip, and negativity. Every word we say carries with it a profound responsibility and a potential to make a difference.
In Matthew 12:37, Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This verse teaches us that the power of our tongue can have lasting consequences. We are ultimately responsible for the words we use and how they affect ourselves, as well as others.
Our words have the power to lift up or tear down—to bring life or death into a situation. We should always remember that we are accountable for our words and think carefully about how we use them. When we choose to speak life, rather than death, it has the power to bring light and hope into a situation—and can even bring about miraculous transformations.
In Ephesians 4:29, it says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This verse encourages us to speak words that are edifying and full of life. In our conversations with others, we should strive to bring hope and joy rather than hurt and despair.
James 3:10 says, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” This verse warns us against saying one thing in one moment and then something completely different in another moment. Our words should always reflect integrity and thoughtfulness.
Our Words Can Bring Life or Death
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. That means we should take everything we say very seriously. Let’s look at specific ways to speak life and some of the ways we speak death.
We Speak Life By Encouraging Others
We can use our words to bring life by encouraging and uplifting those around us. We can choose to speak words of kindness that build up instead of tear down. Consider speaking truth in love and offering words of affirmation when we talk about others—including ourselves.
In Hebrews 10:24, it says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” This verse reminds us that our words have the power to bring encouragement and motivation into someone else’s life.
Our words have the power to bring about positive change, inspire others, and even heal broken relationships. We can use our words to make a difference in someone’s life—by offering them hope and comfort. For example, speaking words of affirmation can be especially powerful for someone who is struggling with low self-esteem or depression.
We Speak Death By Being Critical
One of the most common ways we speak death into the lives of others is by constantly being critical. We can use our words to tear down and discourage those around us. But when we do this, we are not using the power of our tongues for good.
In Proverbs 18:21 it says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse reminds us that words have power—and whatever we speak can bring life or death into the lives of those around us.
Therefore, let us be careful with our words—that they may bring life and not death to those around us. May we choose to use our words for good and make a difference in someone’s life!
We Speak Life By Speaking The Truth
It’s also important to speak life by speaking the truth. This means avoiding manipulation, exaggeration, and fabrication with our words. It means saying what is true and helpful in a respectful manner—and not using our words to manipulate others or spread lies.
In Colossians 3:9-10 it says, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” We should always strive to use our words responsibly and respectfully—and never twist the truth or mislead others with our words.
By being mindful of the power of our words, we can choose to bring life into every situation. Life and death are in the power of the tongue—so let us use our words wisely, for the glory of God.
May we speak life into each other’s lives, and uplift one another through our words!
We Speak Death By Gossiping
Gossip and slander are another common way that we can speak death into the lives of others. We should never spread rumors or engage in gossip, as it has the power to ruin someone’s reputation and cause a lot of hurt.
In Proverbs 16:28 it says, “A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” This verse reminds us that our words can be destructive and hurtful if we are not careful.
Gossip is not an innocent thing. Let us be mindful of what we say and not use our words to spread malicious lies or destructive rumors. May we choose instead to speak life into the lives of those around us, and never use our words for evil.
We Speak Life By Praying For Others
We should also use our words to speak life by praying for others. We can pray for those who need encouragement, healing, and hope in their lives. By being intentional with our prayers, we can bring joy and peace into someone else’s world.
In James 5:16 it says “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” This verse reminds us of the power of our prayers—and how they can bring about healing and restoration in the lives of others.
Really, there are few things better than praying for someone. When we pray we are asking God Himself to intervene in a person’s life. We’re asking the most powerful and loving being in the universe to do good to someone. Is there anything better than that?
We Speak Death By Complaining
We should be mindful of how our words affect those around us. We should avoid complaining or grumbling about people and situations, as it only brings negativity into the atmosphere. Additionally, complaining tends to spread. When you complain it tempts others to complain as well.
In Philippians 2:14-15 it says, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Our words can be a light to those around us—or they can be a source of darkness. Let us use our words wisely, and strive to speak life into every situation. We can use our words to bring joy and hope into the world, rather than negativity.
Speak Life By Using Words Of Blessing
Finally, we can use our words to speak life by speaking words of blessing over those around us. We can choose to use our words to bless instead of curse. This means choosing not to criticize or pass judgement, but rather offering grace and mercy through our speech.
In Numbers 6:24 it says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” We can use this verse as a model for offering words of blessing in our lives.
When we speak words of blessing, we are using our words to bring life and joy into someone else’s world. We can bless people with our words, whether we are giving an encouraging word in a difficult time or simply speaking kind and gentle words. Let us choose to use our words to be a blessing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “life and death are in the power of the tongue” mean?
This phrase comes from Proverbs 18:21, which says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse is referring to how powerful our words can be—in that they can bring death or life into a situation. Our words have the power to create positive or negative change in the world, depending on how we use them.
What does it mean to speak life?
To speak life means to use your words to encourage and lift up those around you. It means speaking words of blessing rather than criticism, and using our words as an instrument for good in the world. Using our words to speak life means being intentional about bringing joy and hope into someone else’s world.
What does the Bible say about speaking life?
The Bible is full of verses that encourage us to use our words wisely and speak life into every situation. In James 3:5-6 it says, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This is a powerful reminder of how important it is to use our words for good, rather than evil. Let us strive to be mindful of our words and speak life into every situation!
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*** By Stephen Altrogge at The Blazing Center: theblazingcenter.com
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