Faith Versus Magical Thinking

“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. Ezekiel 13:20 

  

  Magical Thinking is a psychological term about making a false attribution of causal relationships between events and actions. In layman’s terms it is connecting things that have nothing to do with each other. Such as, I ate a candy bar and my stomach quit hurting, so candy bars must cure upset stomachs. It is being ridiculous. 

  As someone who has lived with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for years, I can tell you that I have come across many quack cures. One of the most ridiculous was a $38 bottle mixture of plants and weeds that actually made me ill. Medicine shows and miracle cures were common in the American West in the late 19th and early 20th century. Sadly, such nonsense continues today. At best it is useless, at worst it is dangerous. 

  We need faith, and we need to use the good sense God has given us. The Apostle Paul was a great man of faith, and yet he also believed in sensible medicine. 

  

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 1 Timothy 5:23 

  

  Those who suffer from a variety of illnesses should always pray for healing and help from the Lord, and also make good use of doctors and medication for infirmities and diseases. 

  Do not confuse faith with magical thinking. People can become convinced of all sorts of dangerous nonsense. We need to be wise, use good judgment, and always pray for guidance from the Lord. Do not become a victim of magical thinking. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to use the good sense you have given us. Delivers us from charlatans and so-called miracle cures. And from well meaning, but foolish believers. Give us wisdom in all things. Amen.