Work with me on this
one, please. As a retired military chaplain, I have studied many faith groups.
One in particular had a very interesting “teaching” of sorts. Don't be shocked
or alarmed, but I learned something from Satanism and from studying some of the
teachings in The Satanic Bible written by Anton LaVey. Like I said, work with me. We can learn
something from this to help us.
I came across a concept
known as "psychic vampire." In a
nut-shell, it is a person who is emotionally immature and not overly respectful
of those around them. This is basically a process where someone simply
emotionally drains the life from other people. These are people who “have it
worse than you” and always seem to complain about everything.
Nothing is ever good
enough. They will always blame others. They will always make a mountain out of
a molehill. They are so miserable that they can manipulate any circumstance
into trying to make you feel guilty for not “understanding” or for not feeling sorry
for them. They literally drain the emotional energy out of those around them.
Sadly, Psychic Vampires are
not worried about the carnage left
behind, but more focused on getting what they want at your cost. After all,
remember, their “issues” are not their fault….it is someone else’s’ fault.
So, beware of
"Psychic Vampires" as they are not "just" a concept of
Satanism or a definition from the Satanic Bible...it is a force to guard against. Galatians 6:9-10 tells us that “…as
we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Matthew 10:16, says “Behold,
I am sending you out as sheep amongst wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents
and harmless as doves.”
It is godly and
Christ-like to love others by helping and assisting them in ways that are
productive, supportive and sustaining. However, “enabling” bad behavior and
“enabling” their abusive confiscation of our own resources is not behavior that
is becoming of a Christian. Our help is to assist them with growing and
changing and recovering. To love them is to help them with what they NEED….not
what they WANT.
I am fully aware of Luke 6:30, in regards to giving to
those who beg and those who take from you. We obey that scripture. However,
when it becomes abusive and habitual, then we must lovingly and gently confront
those to help them understand the unhealthy behavior and why they must seek
ways of reconciliation, restoration and healing that will deliver them and
bring about their recovery.
As it has been said, “give someone a fish and you feed them for
the day. Teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.” Psychic
Vampires must not be enabled to continue living in a cycle of bad behaviors to feed
off of us or others. Yes, they need our help daily, weekly, monthly, and
sporadically, but we help with discretion, prayer, and wisdom as we partner
with them in reaching their goals to better themselves. Psalm 118:5, “In my distress
I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.”