Question
Gramps,
My grandmother has always been involved in black magic and we have suffered from it a lot through the years. We have always been members. Recently she said she does black magic specifically for our family. How can we stay away from its consequence and influence?
Kim
Answer
Dear Kim,
I’m sorry to hear that your family faces this particular trial. This is not a subject I know very much about, nor one that any of us wants to know about. However, we do have guidance from the scriptures and modern revelation to help with these kinds of issues as well.
There is a powerful message in Exodus 7.
10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.
12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.
Pharaoh’s “wise men” and sorcerers were able to imitate the Lord’s work, but notice that Aaron’s rod/serpent conquered all the others and swallowed them up. The lesson we can take from this is that while, yes, Satan does have power to influence the elements of this world, Christ and all who follow Him, have the power to conquer Satan.
How do you do this? President James E. Faust gave us some wonderful counsel on this very topic. To begin he said:
“I feel impressed to sound a warning voice against the devil and his angels—the source and mainspring of all evil. I approach this prayerfully, because Satan is not an enlightening subject. I consider him to be the great imitator.
. . . The mischief of devil worship, sorcery, witchcraft, voodooism, casting spells, black magic, and all other forms of demonism should always be avoided.
. . . Since Satan is the author of all the evil in the world, it is essential therefore to realize that he is the influence behind the opposition to the work of God.”
I realize you are not experiencing these things voluntarily or out of curiosity. I share that as a general caution to other readers. Pres. Faust also had counsel that more directly answers your question On “our defense” he said:
“However, we need not become paralyzed with fear of Satan’s power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it. He is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat. The Apostle James counseled: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” He cannot know our thoughts unless we speak them. And Nephi states that the devil “hath no power over the hearts” of righteous people.
. . . The power to resist Satan may be stronger than we realize. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power.”
He also stated, “Wicked spirits have their bounds, limits, and laws by which they are governed.” So Satan and his angels are not all-powerful.”
So Kim, while you and your family do face a challenge with your grandmother, remember that Christ is stronger than Satan. You may need to work hard to arm yourself for this on-going battle. Your armor will come by prayer, scripture study, priesthood blessings, etc, but you can overcome this. You will be greater and stronger, and Satan will not have the power to overcome you. This is Christ’s promise to us.
Prayers,
Gramps
