Spiritual House Cleaning: Discerning and Removing Occult and False Religious Influences

Introduction:

As Spirit-filled believers, we understand that our homes are not just physical dwellings, but also spiritual havens. It is vital to create in your home an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can freely dwell and where we can grow in our relationship with God. However, objects rooted in the occult or false religions can invite negative spiritual influences and hinder our spiritual growth. This teaching will guide you through the process of conducting a “spiritual house cleaning” to identify and remove such items, empowering you to cultivate a home filled with God’s presence and peace.

 

Now make this determination – don’t get overly superstitious. Superstition-laden thinking in a Christian context can do more harm to you and your testimony than any demonic influence. Secondly, if what we are suggesting doesn’t find its place in the scriptural record, then it would be highly suspect. Do we have a New Testament example of what we will term doing a “Spiritual House Cleaning?” Turn to the book of Acts:

Acts 19:18-19 (KJV): “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.”

 

I remember years ago, I had a contentious family member – a professing spirit-filled Christian who would call me on the phone, interrupting whatever conversation I was having and completing my sentences. When asked to explain themselves, they would boast about the occult background of their family, who allegedly had abilities such as this yet saw no contradiction in being a Christian yet operating in these dark arts. In dealing with this, the Lord moved on me to examine my home for “things that didn’t belong” that might have been like a demonic lightning rod that somehow focused this person’s efforts to move in these witchcraft influences where my life was concerned. Looking around the room, I spied a seemingly innocuous angel figure that had been a gift in the family years ago. The Lord said, “That’s it. Get rid of thatt and the monitoring/surveillance spirit will be defeated. To confirm I called my wife in and without explanation, asked her to look around the room and identify anything that in her spirit she thought didn’t belong. She landed on this object; therefore, we did away with it, and the activity stopped.

Understanding the Threat:

The Bible warns us against engaging with practices and beliefs that oppose God’s truth. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” These practices open doors to spiritual darkness and can invite demonic oppression or influence.

 

Objects associated with the occult or false religions, even seemingly innocuous ones, can act as conduits for these negative spiritual forces. They can include:

 

• Idols and Images: Statues or images representing deities or figures from other religions.
• Occult Symbols: Objects or jewelry bearing symbols associated with witchcraft, Satanism, or other occult practices.
• Divination Tools: Tarot cards, Ouija boards, or other tools used for fortune-telling or contacting spirits.
• Items from False Religions: Objects used in rituals or worship of false gods or goddesses.
• Cursed or “Haunted” Objects: Items believed to be cursed or associated with negative spiritual energy.

The Process of Spiritual House Cleaning:

 

1. Prayer and Discernment: Begin by seeking God’s guidance and discernment through prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any objects in your home that may be hindering your spiritual well-being. This can include mementos from previous relationships that give rise to soul ties that can hinder current relationships and moving on.

 

2. Thorough Examination: Carefully examine your home, room by room, paying attention to decorations, books, artwork, jewelry, and any other items. Ask yourself:

 

• What is the origin and meaning of this object?
• Does it have any associations with your sinful past, the occult or false religions?
• Does it promote practices or beliefs contrary to God’s Word?
• Do I feel any sense of unease or oppression when I am around it?

 

3. Removal and Disposal: If you identify any questionable objects, it’s crucial to remove them from your home. You can dispose of them in a way that feels appropriate, such as burning, burying, or discarding them away from yourself and others in some other manner.

 

4. Cleansing and Dedication: Once you have removed the objects, cleanse your home through prayer and worship. Ask God to fill your home with His presence and to protect it from any spiritual darkness. You can also anoint your home with oil as a symbol of dedication to God.

Additional Considerations:

 

 Family Involvement: If possible, involve your family in the process of spiritual house cleaning. This can be a powerful opportunity to teach your children about spiritual discernment and the importance of creating a godly home environment.

 Ongoing Vigilance: Spiritual house cleaning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Be mindful of the objects you bring into your home and continue to seek God’s guidance in maintaining a spiritually clean and healthy environment.

 Spiritual Warfare: In some cases, removing objects may be accompanied by spiritual warfare. If you experience any resistance or negative spiritual manifestations, pray for God’s protection and authority, and seek support from your church community or spiritual leaders.

 

Conclusion:

 

By conducting a spiritual house cleaning, you are taking a proactive step to protect your home and family from negative spiritual influences. This process allows you to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can freely move and where you can experience God’s peace and blessings more fully. Remember, your home is a sacred space, and by dedicating it to God, you are creating a sanctuary for spiritual growth and intimacy with Him.

 

Review and Reflection:

• Spiritual Warfare is Real: We live in a world where spiritual battles are constantly waged. Our homes should be fortresses of faith, not strongholds for the enemy.
• Discernment is Key: The Holy Spirit empowers us to discern the origins and influences of objects and practices. We must be sensitive to His leading.
• Obedience Brings Freedom: When we identify and remove things that displease God, we open ourselves to His blessings and protection.
• Our Homes are Holy Ground: We dedicate our homes to the Lord, making them places of worship, prayer, and spiritual growth.
• This is an Ongoing Process: Spiritual vigilance is a lifestyle, not a one-time event. We must continually seek God’s wisdom and guidance.

Call to Action:

• Schedule a Time: Set aside dedicated time to pray and seek God’s guidance in conducting your spiritual house cleaning.
• Examine Your Surroundings: Take a careful inventory of the objects in your home, considering their origins and potential spiritual influences.
• Remove with Conviction: Don’t hesitate to remove anything that hinders your spiritual walk or invites negative spiritual energy.
• Cleanse and Dedicate: Pray over your home, asking God to fill it with His presence and protection.
• Maintain a Lifestyle of Discernment: Be mindful of the things you bring into your home and continue to seek God’s wisdom in all areas of your life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, recognizing Your supreme authority and power over all creation. I stand as a child of God, clothed in Your armor of righteousness, and I rebuke any and all forces of darkness that may be attempting to infiltrate this home. I declare that this home is a dwelling place of the Most High God, a sanctuary dedicated to Your glory, and no weapon formed against it shall prosper. I bind every demonic influence, every spirit of oppression, fear, or deception, and I command them to leave this place in the name of Jesus Christ. As it is written in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

 

Lord, I ask that You would fill this home with Your Holy Spirit, creating an atmosphere of peace, love, and joy. I pray for Your divine protection to surround this dwelling, that no evil may enter and that Your angels would guard its inhabitants day and night. Pour out Your blessings upon this family, that they may experience Your abundant grace and favor in every area of their lives. May this home be a place of spiritual growth, where Your Word is honored, Your presence is felt, and Your love is shared. As it is written in Psalm 91:10-11, “No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

 

I declare that this home is a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, a refuge for the weary, and a place where Your kingdom is established. May Your presence be so evident in this place that all who enter would sense Your love and be drawn to You. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayer and for establishing Your reign in this home. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.