Superstition is socially acceptable, but Christians don’t need to be superstitious

When my neighbour recently passed away, I silently prayed that two other deaths wouldn’t imminently ensue, aware of how the superstition of unfortunate happenstances clumping in threes had moulded my beliefs. The origins of this misconception are diverse, having permeated folklore and contemporary culture, with historical roots found in events during the Crimean War. Soldiers were cautioned not to strike a match to light three cigarettes, a potential beacon for the enemy.

Contrary to popular belief, superstition and faith aren’t convenient companions. 

Contrary to popular belief, superstition and faith aren’t convenient companions. The definition of superstition is of irrational belief and false worship, thereby suspending faith in God by placing it into a notion with an assumed outcome.

Although seemingly harmless or inconsequential, it is the value we attribute to a superstition that determines to what extent it impacts our lives. For some, the presence of a black cat might provoke fear that ruins the day, whilst others may simply shrug it away.

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The supernatural has credence only within the heavenly domain, as articulated in God’s Word. The practice of knocking on wood has dichotomised origins, with some connecting it to Christian symbolism of the cross of crucifixion, whilst others claim pagan heritage, with trees inhabited by spirits with power to bless.

Some Christians may therefore practice this in good conscience, attributing it to a tap on the cross by way of saying ‘if God will’s it’ and in Proverbs 27 we are cautioned to not boast in tomorrow but to trust in God alone. Finger-crossing is another habit with both pagan and Christian descent, the former focusing on the safe keeping of wishes, whilst Christians reference handshakes between persecuted believers, invoking the power of the Cross.

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Generational influence is an effective glue in the continuation of superstitious habits. If ‘Granny Jones’ liberally threw salt over her left shoulder to impede the devil and smother bad luck, no doubt her children and grandchildren would follow suit. A successful ‘unsticking’ would require wilful choice. While most superstitions indicate a desperate plea to divert misfortune, some promote happiness, such as ‘seeing two crows together’ signifying a forthcoming positive occurrence and picking up a penny where ‘all day long you’ll have good luck’. Although tempting to recite such optimistic rhymes, it credits a fabricated prediction rather than God-breathed prophecy. It can be a snare to place trust in a reality deviating from Christ.

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Superstition is inherent within many cultures and often indoctrinated to a point of manipulating behaviour. Giving credence to anything that is not God could create an idol that takes God’s place. If any belief causes fear to arise, access is given to the enemy who ‘prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8). If fear dominates thoughts, this can lead to action that could result in the literal manifestation of unfortunate events, all embedded in misled belief.

The fruit of our lives signifies core beliefs.

The fruit of our lives signifies core beliefs. If God’s Word undergirds belief, the natural fruit is faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). But if the principal fruit is anxiety, this indicates the existence of faulty beliefs, which can be identified and dealt with through prayer. When God’s Word governs our minds, the fruits of the Spirit are evident: Galatians 5:22-23. Christians are fortunate to know the truth that brings freedom from a mindset of slavery, one bound by superstition and fear. Faith in our everlasting God creates strength to resist the urge to place faith elsewhere.

If superstition has gripped your life, take heart. It takes six weeks, to change habitual thoughts and patterns, and by God’s grace, what was once a source of death can be transformed to new life. The enemy only has jurisdiction to the extent that we give it by agreeing with his lies. If superstition has stunted faith, I have found that quoting scripture and giving thanks that no mishap will occur can reestablish faith and dimmish falsehoods.