Witchcraft is more widespread than most realize when you understand its definition!
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians chapter 5:
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
The word “witchcraft” comes from the word “pharmakeia” , the Greek word for medicines or drugs that inhibit a person’s personality or change his behavior: mind-altering drugs; where we get the words pharmaceutical drugs or the word pharmacy; used in connection with sorcery, magic, or witchcraft.
During Paul’s time, when the pagans were burdened and troubled by life, and when they went to the pagan temple, their pagan priests would take mind-altering drugs and mix them with wine. The pagan would drink the wine and feel relieved… temporarily. Once the drug wore off, they would repeat the process which resulted in addiction.
The root of the problem was in the mirror and no drug would remove the problem.
In essence, witchcraft is any attempt to not deal with reality!
Don’t get me wrong, if your doctor has prescribed medicines to treat your symptoms, by all means follow his or her recommendations until FATHER heals you of your sickness or disease. FATHER is not against doctors. Without them, many believers would have a shortened life.
The work of the flesh is to deny and to ignore reality. It is up to each of us to mortify the works of the flesh which are preventing us from having a deeper relationship with Our Heavenly Father.
What would happen if those who are currently addicted to drugs were to repent and mortify their flesh? The illegal drug trade would cease to be a problem because the demand would be eliminated.
Alcohol provides the same temporary relief as do drugs. Governments have classified drug addition and alcoholism as diseases. In the strictest sense, it is a dis-ease. However, the root of the problem is spiritual, not physical. You are not a victim of some external source causing your addiction. You cannot blame your genetics. It is your own flesh that has taken command of your life.
Only The Holy Spirit can lead you into your solution to overcome your flesh. Your mind is where the decision is made to choose Life.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Corinthians chapter 10:
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Where do we cast down imaginations? In our mind. Where do we take thoughts captive? Once again in our mind. This is where the war is fought and where we are to overcome the flesh.