By Sheila S. Hudson

My husband, Tim, is an expert on the occult. People who once practiced the black arts (witchcraft, Satanism, and the like) confessed that the major attraction is attaining prosperity, prestige, and power. When these souls are converted, they realize no amount of money, fame, or control will grant peace, love, or joy.

Prosperity 

What do Janet Lee, Sarah Smith, Vivian Nicholson, Michael Carroll, Suzanne Mullins, Evelyn Adams, and a myriad of others have in common? They are recent lottery winners. They won jackpots in the millions. Prosperity ruined their lives. Each is deeply in debt, bankrupt, and suffered failed relationships. Others had an even worse fate and were kidnapped, murdered, or committed suicide.

If wealth were that important, why would Jesus warn, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Prestige 

America is in awe of movie stars, British royalty, television personalities, and individuals we consider successful. But the tabloids describe how many of these people become addicts, suicide victims, shoplifters, murderers, and live miserable lives. Media has warped our ideals and skewed our opinions. Shame no longer exists and civility is on its way out. Our convictions have become jaded and we forget our most powerful tools.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. wisely counseled, “Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness” (Life’s Little Instruction Book, Thomas Nelson, 2012).

Power

Individuals have done outrageous things in order to be noticed. Some write tell-all books, others turn to exhibitionism, and some take more drastic measures. Power seduces. Power corrupts. Power unchecked can ruin lives—yours and those around you.

Christendom has suffered the world’s ridicule when corrupt leaders turned preaching into a carnival sideshow. Christianity doesn’t need flash, gimmicks, or silver-tongued orators. The world hungers for genuine believers who live out their faith. Will you be one of them?

Author and speaker Sheila Hudson lives with her husband, Tim, in Athens, Georgia.
Follow her blog here.