DEAR BILLY GRAHAM: Someone gave our two children some games for Christmas (including a Ouija board) that are supposed to be able to tap into spiritual forces to predict the future. She said they’re just innocent games, but I’m not so sure, and I haven’t let the children play with them yet. Am I just being narrow-minded? — R.M.

DEAR R.M.: You are wise to protect your children from anything that might bring them into contact with occult spiritual forces that do not come from God, and are even opposed to God.

I realize not everyone will agree with this; many today dismiss the reality of occult forces that may wish us harm. But the Bible takes the occult and the demonic very seriously, including any attempt on our part to reach out to occult spiritual forces that promise to predict the future or give us supernatural advice.

One of the most tragic men in the Bible was King Saul, who as an old man turned away from God and sought advice instead from occult powers (see 1 Samuel 28). The Bible warns, “Let no one be found among you, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, or who consults the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).

Instead, encourage your children to participate in wholesome games and activities, and not to get involved in things that might influence them in a wrong way. (I believe this includes games and programs that glorify violence and killing.)

In addition, pray for them, and take time to read the Bible with them; your local Christian bookstore can suggest a good children’s Bible story book. Most of all, make Christ the center of your life and your family, and ask him to help you and your husband become examples to them of Christ’s goodness and love.

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