DEAR REV. GRAHAM: For Christmas, my aunt gave our 12-year-old son a game that's supposed to be able to answer questions about the future. I asked her about it because I've never wanted anything to do with things like this, but she laughed and said it was just for fun. What would you say?
-- P.R.
DEAR P.R.: No doubt your aunt thought this is only an innocent game, but you're right to be concerned about it, because it could open the door to something that would be spiritually harmful to your son.
Why is this? For one thing, playing this game could make your son think that things like astrology, tarot cards, palm readings, Ouija boards and similar activities are simply harmless pastimes. But they're not because they may bring a person into contact with occult spiritual forces that are absolutely opposed to God. This is why the Bible warns us not to have anything to do with them (see Deuteronomy 18:14).
Your son could also be deceived into thinking that something like this should guide his life. But God has given us everything we need to know about the future in His Word, the Bible. More than that, God has told us in the Bible how we ought to live and what kind of people we ought to be. No game can ever do that.
Talk frankly with your son, helping him understand why you don't want him to become involved with anything like this. Most of all, urge him to commit his life to Jesus and become His follower. It's the most important decision he'll ever make, and will put his feet on the right path in life. The Bible says, "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word" (Psalm 119:9).
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Style on 01/27/2015