There are many Christians who avoid many things because of superstition. This of course is with good reason, but how can we be sure that what we are doing is OK? This may surprise some, but, your own conscience is the tool to use in most of these cases.
Incense Alters and Mixtures
You know what is interesting when trying to come to a decision about this? Refer to the Bible to see what was written about it. Notice what it days here.
the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, Exodus 31:8
So, its kind of interesting that an "altar of incense" was even included to burn incense on by the Priests in Israel.Aaron is instructed to burn incense every morning and evening.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight:And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy:And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy.And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord.Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people. - Exodus 30:34-38
Ahh Yes, so as long as you don't make an incense that was like God's incense, you were OK in Israel. I don't see "sage" anywhere in that passage, pun intended!
Burning Sage and Other Incense
So the burning of Sage comes from an American Indian tradition. They did use this herb in their spiritual practices. However, step back and think for just a minute. They used bowels too, so does this mean that you should throw away all your bowels? Sounds kind of silly when you think of it that way, doesn't it?
Common Sense
I encourage everyone to use common sense. If you really feel that it is not for you, then it is not for you. However, do not judge the next Christian just because they like to use Sage and enjoy it's smell and hygienic properties. Even if someone uses something in witchcraft, idol worship or things like this does not make the material they use bad, it makes them bad for doing these things.
Crafting Your Conscience
Each Christian must craft their own conscience. If you think something is bad, don't do it. However, if you cannot prove that it is bad with Scripture, that is your "Opinion". Your opinion is not Scripture, but being kind to your Christian brothers and sisters is! ;-)
#theElect #christian #practices #spiritual