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When Paul was in Athens, he found himself in the midst of a non-Christian and superstitious populace. He therefore decided to turn their superstitions to his own advantage making use of this characteristic as a means for giving testimony. “For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” Acts 17:23. In this case the Apostle Paul turned the superstitions of these people to a good purpose. You see, dear brethren, it is all a matter of faith. The Athenians believed in many Gods, but being superstitious they believed in many, many silly things. Happily, this led then to fear they might have missed some God out, so they even put up an altar to the Unknown God, just to make sure they got all the Gods in. Of course, this is ridiculous for we know there is only one God.

During my childhood I was brought up in London and I remember how superstitious the Cockneys were. If salt was spilt, some had to be thrown over the shoulder to avoid bad luck. Walking under a ladder, brought bad luck. If a black cat crossed your path – bad luck. Looking at the moon through glass was unlucky. Spiders were lucky. Treading accidently in dog droppings was very lucky etc. etc. I never believed it all, even as a child, but many people did and of course, they always found reasons to prove that this or that portent bad indeed brought them good or bad luck.

How often did Jesus say to the people after a miracle, “Thy faith hath healed thee.” Having faith in the words of Jesus is wonderful, it made it possible for Him to work miracles. When Jesus visited Nazareth, He was not able to work many miracles because people only remembered Him as Joseph the carpenter’s son. There was not much faith there. Indeed, they became very angry with Him and wanted to throw Him out. Luke 4:16-29. How did the sorcerers work their black magic? Because people believed them. How do witch-doctors work? They can only work if people believe them. It is very, very, important what we believe and in whom we believe. It can make or break us.

Do not believe in rubbish, my beloved! Superstition has no part in the doctrine of the United Apostolic Church. 1 Timothy 4:7 “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” If we believe in those superstitions, we place ourselves under the power of such misguided beliefs.

Our faith is in the Son of God, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit and none other. Cast away superstitions! They are unwanted and dangerous junk in our lives and have no place nor part in the faithful child of God.