Once again, we witness the observance of the Lunar Seventh Month. Its marks on pavements, fields and car parks are unmistakable: black seared patches left over from the burning of "hell currency". The belief is that evil spirits are released from hell and become particularly active during this time of the Lunar calendar. Unless they are appeased in some way, they will bring bad fortune to homes and businesses.

What should our Christian reaction be towards such a practice of worship and offerings to demons and spirits? Firstly, we should recognize that despite the materialism and growing sophication of our society, large numbers of people still believe in the spiritual forces beyond the physical world. Man, after all, is basically a religious being.

However, such religiosity, according to the Bible, is misdirected. We are created with a capacity to know and worship the true God. But we can be ignorantly, though sincerely, worship and fear what is not God, serving "the creature rather than the creator" (Romans 1:25).

The veil spirits which the seventh month worshippers seek to placate are not figments of imagination. Their existence is recognized in the Bible. Yet every time they are mentioned, we are told their proper place, namely, no matter how powerful and threatening they appear, they are under the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Colossians 2:15, we are told that Christ had completely disarmed and defeated them by his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.

So, as believers in Christ, we need not fear. "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world," John assures us (1 John 4:4). When we fear, the evil one exploits that fear to his advantage and robs us of our confidence in the Lord. There is no need to be fearful, for example, if you accidentally kick over a can of joss-sticks or step on the ashes of incense paper. Remember, Satan had to seek God's permission before he could touch Job. We are in good hands.

Finally, as believers, we should take a firm stand at home or at work when such offerings are made to evil spirits. Taking part in any form of worship is to become partners, not just with the worshippers but with the demons themselves.

Adapted with modification from "Posing Only" by Rev David Wong.

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