(September 12, 2024) Sam Selva Raj shares concerns and strongly challenges readers…

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a is a very clear declaration by God: ‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days!’

• ‘Set before you’ indicates the choice is ours regarding enjoying the blessings of God. Blessing is Hebrew berakah — ‘valley of blessings.’
• Even the Oxford Dictionary defines ‘blessing’ as God’s favour and protection. And ‘curse’ as something that causes harm or evil. In other words a cause of trouble and unhappiness.
• Verse 19 clearly presents the challenge of two ways in which to live — the right way and the wrong.
• Going God’s way brings blessings; the wrong way disaster… curses!
• In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus issued this warning: ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.’

The common problem with all human beings is that we have all gone astray. We may not have committed murder, adultery or theft, but we have done one particular disastrous thing: We have all gone our own way, turning our backs on God, committing sins against Him and His word.

In Hebrew, such behaviour — bending, twisting, and distorting the law of God’s word — is avon which translated into English is ‘iniquity.’ This nature within us results in disastrous consequences. 

Today we witness many not having found the life God offers. There is so much strife, misunderstanding, and confusion… even in some Christian households.

1. Signs
In exploring signs indicating the presence of a curse, several manifestations become apparent. Consider the following few for example —

(i) Depression
A profound sense of mental depression often envelops individuals who have been burdened by failures and adversities. This emotional weight renders some incapable of engaging in normal activities, leading them to exist in a state of abnormality. Some individuals delve into a realm of imagined scenarios, attaching significance to falsehoods and engaging in battles against figments of their own imagination.

(ii) Laziness 
Despite abundant opportunities for productivity and favourable conditions to foster activity, certain individuals resort to idleness. They attribute their inaction to external factors such as blaming others or specific events that have transpired in their life, perpetuating a cycle of lethargy.

(iii) Diseases
Within certain families, a legacy of distinctive genetic diseases or hereditary issues unfolds across generations, forming a recurring pattern that underscores the familial lineage.

(iv) Sterility
A striking contrast emerges in the cultivation of adjacent plots of land, both meticulously prepared for planting and cultivation. While one plot flourishes abundantly, the other remains barren, failing to yield a bountiful harvest. Likewise, some women struggle to conceive, while some give birth to babies with health issues or genetic disorders.

(v) Abortions
Others may enjoy good physical health, yet inexplicably have repeated abortions.

(vi) Marriages
Marriage issues plague some individuals. Such as ‘delays’… that is remaining unmarried.

Broken marriages plague certain individuals who find they’re unable to maintain harmonious relationships and eventually opt for divorce. Lack of tolerance and willingness to seek counsel often leads to a cycle of personal problems. Divorce could involve financial exploitation by unscrupulous lawyers.

(vii) Failures
Continuous failures afflict certain individuals who find themselves trapped in a cycle of hardship and disappointment. This relentless cycle can lead to despair, life seeming meaningless and prompting thoughts of suicide. Also, some individuals attract misfortune, facing frequent accidents and poverty in their lives.

(viii) Deviation
Living contrary to moral guidelines — deviating from righteousness — results in even faith leaders lacking vision. Miraculous occurrences, and authentic spiritual encounters are absent. Many believers also lack genuine salvation experiences.

(ix) Dishonourment
‘Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long… ’(Exodus 20:12) implies that failing to honour your parents could shorten your lifespan! When God speaks of our ‘days being long’ He truly wants us to live a long and fulfilling life.

Today’s generation often overlooks the importance of caring for elderly parents, viewing them as a burden rather than a blessing. Despite any disagreements or obstacles, it remains the responsibility of the younger individuals to care for their parents diligently, displaying love and respect towards them. Neglecting this duty can lead to a loss of blessings in one’s life.

(x) Desecration
Jesus proclaimed: ‘I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18NKJV). Paul warned: ‘If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him…’ (1Corinthians 3:17NKJV).

This highlights the immense love the Lord has for the church for which He paid dearly! God will not refrain from punishing those who attempt to desecrate His Son’s church. Yet some speak ill of the church, plunder church property, belittle its doctrines and criticise harshly. While there are some children of God who work hard to save souls, some wicked individuals would confuse believers and lead them astray.

Such people do not serve God; instead, they corrupt souls, and spread false information about the church. God will not tolerate such scoffers. He will surely say, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness’ (Matthew 7:23).

2. Source
These signs serve as poignant indicators of the presence of a curse. Affliction and adversity manifests in various facets of individuals’ lives, all originating in the Garden of Eden. Despite being initially blessed, Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God’s commandments led to His displeasure and the introduction of curses into human life.

Adam and Eve were permitted to enjoy the fruits of all the trees in the garden, except for one specific tree. However, influenced by Satan’s deceiving counsel, they consumed forbidden fruit. This act of disobedience resulted in God’s curse on them (Genesis 2:15-3:24). 

But God had an answer to this destructive curse! The good news that Christians share is highlighted by Paul in Galatians 3:13ESV, ‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”’

We proclaim to the world that when Jesus was crucified on Calvary’s cross He became our Saviour. We share that through His sacrifice our sins are forgiven. One must genuinely repent of course. Not only will we have eternal life but as we seek God and His righteousness and avoid ungodly actions blessings will follow!

Sadly, despite millions hearing this gospel message, only a few truly adhere to it and accept Jesus as their friend and Saviour. Born-again Christians should adhere to Christ’s teachings, emulate His way of life, and serve Him. Unfortunately, there is often hesitation in putting these teachings into practice!

3. Snares
Proverbs 6:2NKJV, ‘You are snared by the words of your own mouth’ illustrates the impact of spoken words on one’s life. Here I highlight some observations of actions that become self-imposed curses…

(i) Tragic Declarations
Such as contemplating suicide can have severe repercussions, even if made in jest. Many individuals have tragically met their demise after uttering such statements.

(ii) Over-critical Husbands
Some husbands criticise their wives’ cooking expressing concerns about the food’s quality, even going as far as to suggest that consuming it could lead to their death! It is essential to recognise that individuals who speak in such a manner could be determining their own life expectancy.

(iii) Belittling Comparisons
Similarly, some parents resort to comparing their children unfavourably to their peers in the neighbourhood, using hurtful words to belittle their own offspring. This harmful behaviour not only impacts the child’s self-esteem but also invites negative outcomes into their lives.

(iv) Foolish Actions
Pilate wanted to release Jesus. However, the Jews of that time cried, ‘Let Him be crucified… His blood be on us and on our children’ (Matthew 27:22,25NKJV). Through their own words, they brought a curse on themselves. History records that within one generation, the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem, and even now the Jews are scattered around the world.

(v) Peter’s Betrayal
As Jesus had predicted, Peter who (Mark 14:29) had declared he would never deny his association with Him denied Jesus on three separate occasions, resorting to cursing and swearing (v66-72).

His reckless behaviour resulted in a significant self-imposed curse. Despite repenting for his actions, Peter had unknowingly brought on himself the consequences of his words! Verse 72 tells that ‘… when he thought about it, he wept.’ Wept is klaio to wail loudly. Realising what he had done, Peter’s heart was obviously heavy.

But… an enlightening moment occurred three days later! Women visiting Jesus’s tomb were met by an angel of God, who instructed them to ‘ … go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee’(Mark 16:7NKJV). ‘And’ is kai basically meaning ‘also.’ Some translations read ‘including’; some ‘especially.’ Through his own words, Peter had forfeited the privilege of being recognised as a disciple. But… out of His abounding mercy and grace, Jesus went to Galilee to meet Peter and re-establish him.

Peter had denied Jesus three times, and Jesus asked him thrice, ‘Peter, do you love me?’ (John 21:15-17). Though Peter answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,’ he wasn’t realising just then that Jesus was cancelling his three denials by having him acknowledge his love three times.

Jesus reinstated Peter as a disciple and instantly designated him with being a shepherd to His sheep (the church that very soon would be birthed).

4. Sidetracts
‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image…  you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…’ Israel was warned (Exodus 20:4-5NKJV)

Those who select idols to equate with the living God become His enemies! By degrading Almighty God through comparison to cheap and perishable beings, they kindle the anger of the Lord God. 

Allow me to elaborate further on this sidetract: When you intend to honour a leader by presenting, say, a garland, would you place the garland on an image of a monkey? Doing so would surely dishonour the person you seek to pay tribute to.

The Bible instructs us: ‘Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry’ (1Corinthians 10:14NKJV). Disregarding this divine commandment is undoubtedly dangerous!

5. Security
Dear readers, please reflect on — contemplate — this article. If you are under any curse know that with Jesus’ caring assistance you can transition from curse to blessing!

• Acknowledge the sacrifice Jesus made for you and confess your faith in Him.
• Repent from stubborn and sinful ways… and avoid them in future!
• Forgive those who have wronged you.
• Trust Jesus completely, His forgiveness of sins and liberation through His blood.
• Distance yourself entirely from satanic influences and all idol worship practices.
• Attend services at a church closeby where people worship Jesus in spirit and truth!
• Engage with that church, the pastor, and serve Jesus however He commissions you.
• Stay connected to Jesus through regular Bible reading and prayer.

May Romans 8:28NKJV be so meaningful to you — ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.’ 

My prayer is that you will rely on Jesus and be richly blessed by God — a valley of blessings!

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Dr S Sam Selva Raj is founder of India’s National Spiritual Newspaper Echo of His Call, printed monthly in 16 languages. For 56 years Dr Sam has overseen many community outreaches blessing thousands through the Chennai church, outreaches, Nehemiah Bible College, St Paul’s Matriculation School, postal and online Bible correspondence/theological courses. God’s particular challenge for Dr Sam is his daily YouTube 5-minute message and prayer broadcasting message in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, trusting the Lord to provide for the costs. Link: sam@echoofhiscall.org
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