True Story
Years ago, a roommate let her sister live a few weeks with us. The sister—we’ll call her Amie—had a lot of personal issues that she was working through. One day, I just knew that she was battling a demon. I mean, I could see it all over her as clear as day. This thing was uber-creepy—and it was living in my home! I prayed for Amie and our situation daily, but nothing seemed to really change.
Then I noticed a picture hanging on her wall. It was a pencil drawing of a demon’s face. I knew right then that the evil haunting Amie was tied to that drawing. I confronted my roommate that night and demanded that the picture be thrown away outside. I made the argument that this was my house, too…and that picture had to go! Neither of the girls was happy, but Amie threw away the picture.
The next morning, Amie cornered me in the kitchen. “Good morning!” I nearly jumped out of my skin. Amie and I hadn’t had a real conversation since she arrived, so something was up.
“Listen, I’m going to the store. Do you need anything?” My face must have betrayed my confusion. “Look, I’m sorry,” she said. “I’ve been so out of it. You’re really helping me out by letting me stay here, and I appreciate it.” I picked my jaw off the floor and mumbled, “You’re welcome.”
Over the next few weeks, Amie acted like a normal human being as she worked to get her life back in order. The specter of that demon had vanished with the trash.
How Evil Gets In
I share this true story with you to show how easy it is to let the Enemy into our lives. I don’t usually write about such things, but it’s October, the month of haunted houses and horror flicks, and I feel it’s important to counter that kind of evil with God’s truth. One of the most popular story lines in the horror genre is when someone lets evil into their lives and then reaps the horrible consequences. As the story above testifies, the truth is…that can certainly happen, even to born-again Christians.
Here are some ways you may inadvertently let evil into your life and home:
1 – Through movies, songs, and media: Witchcraft is so pervasive now, even in children’s cartoons and daytime television. If you watch or listen to something that glorifies evil or verbalizes an incantation, you give room for the Enemy. Words have power, even if you’re not the one saying them.
2- Through sinful actions: We all sin at one point or another, but if you’re giving into sin or participating in an evil lifestyle, then you’re opening the door wide for the Enemy.
3 – By watching porn: This kind of sin has its own category because it’s so dangerous. Sexual images can take over your thoughts and then your actions. It’s one of the Enemy’s most effective means against us today.
4 – Appreciating idols: I’m always amazed to see self-professing Christians with shelves full of idols from other religions. If you have a statue of Buddha, you’re committing a grave sin against the One True God and opening yourself wide to the Enemy.
5 – Through affected objects: A picture of a demon may be an obvious no-no, but even the most benign object can be associated with evil for any number of reasons. If something doesn’t feel right, pray about it or just go ahead and toss it.
How To Kick Evil Out
It’s important to understand where we stand—or should stand—as Christians:
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:5-7 NAS)
As believers, we should live in God’s light, and His peaceful presence should permeate our hearts and homes. It should be evident to those around us that we are God’s people, saved by grace. Even in difficult circumstances, we should feel comfort where we live and within ourselves.
Instead, if you feel fear, despair, anxiety, or depression—especially without any known cause—you may want to “check in” with God to see if you or someone else has inadvertently let evil into your home. I’ll talk more about “cleaning house” in a future post, but for now, the most effective (and simplest) thing you can do is to pray. Here’s a suggestion to get you started:
“Lord, I love You and worship only You. Please let your Holy Spirit convict me of any sin that I need to repent of. If there is any object in my possession that offends you or may cause me to stumble, please let me know. Speak clearly to me and guide me in the right course of action. Let your Spirit flow in my home and fill it with your peace. In the name of Jesus, the One who died for my sins, amen.”
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NAS)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this, so please leave a comment below. Thanks!
Related posts:
Are You Spellbound? A Biblical Look at Witchcraft
Are You Spellbound? A Biblical Look at Monsters
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