See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8
So many times we participate in societal customs, family traditions, and holidays without ever stopping to ask ourselves why we even do them in the first place.
For instance, just to name a few, why do millions of people each year watch a "ball" drop on New Years' Eve? Why do Christians put "Christmas trees" (Jeremiah 10:3-5) in their homes? Why do we "knock" on wood? Why do we toss coins in a fountain and make a wish? Why do we wear charm bracelets? Where did all these things come from and what is the true meaning behind them?
With careful and responisble research, you will not only learn that most of these practices are rooted in superstition but they also originated from the evil practices of devil worship, witchcraft, and Paganism; All of which are against God's Holy Word and instruction to us in Christ Jesus.
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. - Revelation 22:15.
Yesterday, I was having a glass of wine with my husband and we decided to "make a toast" as we have oftentimes done before. But this time was different. As my husband was offering up the toast, the Holy Spirit of God spoke to us both. I suddenly felt like what we were doing was wrong. Without knowing my inner thoughts, my husband ended the toast by adding the words "in the name of Jesus Christ" (something he has never done before), and I quickly said, "Amen".
Later on in the evening, I thought about it: When we "make a toast" to someone, who are we addressing? Why do we "clink" the glasses?
The Holy Word of God tells us: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."- Colossians 3:17.
God instructs us to do everyhing in His Name in Christ Jesus. I don't ever recall hearing the name of God or His Son, Jesus Christ, when most toastings are made. In addition, we shouldn't mix Pagan practices with the sacredness of worshipping the Almighty God in Christ Jesus, because: "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons." - 1 Corinthians 10:21.
(Needless to say, I will not be clinking glasses anymore or partipating in anymore toastings.)
Instead, we should offer up all that God has given us with thanks and gratitude, and then make any requests to Him through faithful and sincere prayer: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. All glory and praises should go to God the Almighty through His Son Jesus Christ!
After my personal revelation, I decided to do a little digging on the "origins of toasting" and "the clinking of wine glasses"; The results horrified me and I immediately prayed to God and asked Him for forgiveness.
This is what I found:
The practice of raising a glass originated from ancient cultures where drinking was associated with honoring, worshipping and making requests to false gods.
Toastings were Pagan rituals involving libations, or offerings of sacred liquids to the gods, with the goal of securing good fortune or expressing gratitude for a wish; a prayer summarized in the words 'long life!' or 'to your health!'"
Toasting was also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits.
Some cultures believe that not following certain protocols, maintaining eye contact during a toast or clinking the wine glasses properly, can bring bad luck.
Some believe "toasting" invokes a "spirit" from within the wine.
Come ancient cultures made a "toast" to the gods requesting protection from any poison that may be in the drink. They also waited for the hoast to take the first sip to establish trust that the drink was safe.
Do you see how the devil has tricked us?
As believers of God in Christ Jesus, we have to stop participating in traditions without questioning why we do them in the first place. And if something doesn't feel right, listen to that, because God has placed His Holy Spirit in all faithful believers in Christ Jesus to guide you, protect you, and to testify to you the truth.
Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." - John 14:15-16.
You shall have no other gods before me. - Exodus 20:3
God has made it very clear that we are not to partake in idolatry, witchcraft, or any superstitious practices or He will turn His face away from us (Leviticus 20:6.Deuteronomy 18:10-13). (And make no mistake, toasting is a form of idolatry.)
By attributing power to actions, objects, and rituals, we undermine God's Sovereignty in Christ Jesus, and misplace our trust in other things instead of placing our full trust in Him (Provers 3:5-6).
Wine toasting, clinking glasses, and other Pagan practices mislead us to believe we can manipulate our own fate instead of relying on God alone through Christ Jesus: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13.
Something we also need to remember: God is faithful, He loves us, and He shows us much mercy in our ignorance (Lamentations 3:22-23), but once the truth has been revealed to us, then the choice becomes our own and He will hold us resposible (Hebrews 10:26-27).
When we realize our sinful and wrong offenses against our Heavenly Father, we must repent and do them no more! (Acts 3:19), (1 John 1:9).
Not conforming to the ways of the world
We are not to follow the ways of the world for the Word of God says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2.)
In addition, loving both God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ requires us to be obedient in keeping God's Holy Commandments.
Our Savior Jesus Christ said, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who love me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." - John 14:21
Key Takaway: By placing importance on rituals, falsehoods, lucky charms, and omens, etc., we shift our focus away from a direct relationship with God and towards false practices that are not based on God's Holy Word in Christ Jesus. And remember, any practice not rooted in Jesus Christ is demonic and evil.
May the power of our loving God protect and guide you in Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. - 1 John 5:21
Sources:
The history of Toasting (1881). (n.d.-a). https://www.horntip.com/html/books_&_MSS/1880s/1881_the_history_of_toasting__richard_valpy_french_(HC)/index.htm
Wija, T. (2023, March 22). A global tour of drinking superstitions designed to ward off Danger. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/a-global-tour-of-drinking-superstitions-designed-to-ward-off-danger/
Meg. (2016, August 16). Toasting – the pagan origins. Meg Sorick, Author/Artist. https://megsorick.com/2016/08/16/toasting-the-pagan-origins
Rupp, R. (2014, December 26). Cheers: Celebration drinking is an ancient tradition. Culture. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/drinking-alcohol-culture#