There are countless examples in Scripture of people who tried to reduce God to a transactional being someone they could consult only in times of trouble, without any relationship, repentance, or reverence. Tragically, many of these individuals ended up destroyed.
This is a critical warning to all believers: God is not a witch doctor. He is holy, and He demands holiness.
A witch doctor offers quick, impersonal solutions. Most who visit one don’t know them personally, don’t follow their teachings, and don’t intend to change their lifestyle. They simply want results answers, power, healing, or protection.
Unfortunately, this is how many people approach God today. They neglect Him in daily life, live in open rebellion, and harbor sin in their hearts but when a crisis hits, they run to Him for help. That is not faith. That is idolatry.
“Arise, go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there… But Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim… And the Lord said to Ahijah, ‘…Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son…’”
1 Kings 14:2–5, ESV
King Jeroboam sent his wife, in disguise, to inquire of the prophet Ahijah about their sick son. Though the prophet had gone blind, God had already revealed the deceit. The message was not healing but judgment: their child would die, and disaster would fall on Jeroboam’s house.
Why? Because Jeroboam had led Israel into idolatry. He didn’t want relationship or repentance only results.
“And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ … And the Lord said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’”
1 Kings 22:20,22, ESV
King Ahab wanted to go to war, and instead of seeking God sincerely, he listened to 400 prophets who falsely promised victory. These prophets were allowed by God to speak lies because Ahab had already rejected God’s truth long ago. He was fatally confirmed in his delusion.
This is a chilling example of divine judgment through deception (cf. Romans 1:24–25).
“God said to Balaam, ‘Go with the men, but only speak the word that I tell you.’ So Balaam went… But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary.”
Numbers 22:20–22, ESV
God allowed Balaam to go, yet He was angry. Why? Because Balaam’s heart was greedy (2 Peter 2:15). He wanted to serve his own interests while appearing obedient. The angel of the Lord stood in his path to kill him, and his donkey saw it before he did.
Permission is not always approval. Be warned.
“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts… Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them?”
Ezekiel 14:3, ESV
God told Ezekiel that even when people come outwardly seeking Him, if their hearts are filled with idols, He will not answer as they expect. In fact, He said:
“I the Lord will answer him myself… I will set my face against that man… And if the prophet is deceived, I the Lord have deceived that prophet.”
Ezekiel 14:4–9, ESV
God can, and sometimes does, deliberately allow deception as judgment especially when people persist in hypocrisy while seeking Him as a last resort.
Many modern believers behave the same way. They live in secret sin drunkenness, pornography, corruption, sexual immorality, idol worship, syncretism and yet go to church, request prayers, anointing oil, or prophecy. They want healing, financial blessings, and breakthroughs but not holiness or repentance.
This is spiritual adultery.
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.”
1 Corinthians 10:21, ESV
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14, ESV
God is not interested in your church attendance, your offerings, or how many services you attend. He wants your heart and your holiness.
Maybe not physically at first, but spiritually you will die and eventually, if you persist, the judgment will follow.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Galatians 6:7, ESV
“The wages of sin is death.”
Romans 6:23, ESV
If you’re still in sin, and you’re going to church, singing in the choir, or taking communion without repentance you’re not getting closer to God. You’re bringing judgment on yourself (1 Corinthians 11:27–30).
Return to the Lord. Seek Him with your whole heart. He is merciful to the truly repentant.
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8, ESV
Let go of religious games. Stop treating God like a witch doctor. Come to Him in spirit and truth because eternity is real, and God is not to be mocked.
Maranatha.
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