A Demonic Inspiration?
One 12 year old Michigan girl set herself on fire attempting the “Fire Challenge” she saw on Youtube. She burned over half her body and will need 3 more surgeries. She poured rubbing alcohol on herself and lit a match. This “challenge” phenomenon on social media is a dangerous trend that appeals to many young people and teens.
Other challenges include the “Hot Water Challenge” with kids being burned with boiling water. Participants either pour the boiling water on self, another person, or allow it to be poured on them. An attempt to see what level of pain tolerance one has? Perhaps. Dangerous and foolish no matter the reason why.
Kids are easily influenced for foolish things. Be careful of Who and What you allow to influence your kids. Avoid giving young person unmonitored access to the internet on ta phone or computer. It could turn our dangerous for them and for you. Have guidelines, expectations, and accountability in place. Like 1 Corinthians 15:33 teaches, Be not deceived: evil communications (Companions) corrupt good manners. If you want your child to turn out right, make sure you instill discernment for who influences your child as a friend, or companion. Even the internet companions hold tremendous influence.
Speaking of the Christian’s physical body, 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
As Christians, our bodies and our lives belong to Jesus. His desire is that we care for our bodies. We are the temple of the living God and as such, our bodies are to be cared for and maintained to the glory of God.
What is the deal with setting self on fire? Here are several thoughts that may put this ridiculous activity in perspective.
- Hell is full of fire.
- Fire is indicative of judgment.
- Satan wants people to go to Hell.
- A demon possessed boy in the New Testament passage of Matthew 17:14-19 would constantly jump into a fire. Jesus rescues this boy.
And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, 15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. 16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. 17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. 18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Could it be that “self-harm” is suggested by a demon? Is it possible that the “fire challenges” are demon inspired?
While Jesus is interested in life – Satan and his demons are interested in death and dying. When kids are tempted to play “Russian Roulette,” or get as close to drowning as possible, or have a self-induced near-death experience – are these forms of Satanic oppression or even possession? I believe it is very possible.
God says, take care of your body and live. Satan says, destroy your body and die.
Parents, if you find your teen participating in self-harm or similar dangerous activity, please take them to Jesus right away. Jesus is the answer your teen is looking for.
EDC Christian 