What is a demon? Well, if I allow “Hollywood” to continue telling me the story, I would always be deceived – primarily driven by fear. I still remember some of the scariest movies I saw as a kid, everything from The Exorcist to Nightmare on Elm Street, and many more – all created to scare a person senseless. These movies push a distorted idea of what demonic possession or activity looks like. The evil is generally depicted in the extremes – gore and horror, and in my opinion, help create a false idea of what evil looks like. I believe it also gives a false idea of what a demon is and how to deal with them.
A demon is a fallen angel. The leader of the fallen angels is Lucifer.
““How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”
Isaiah 14:12-15
In spite of what image the world tries to get you to believe, the Word of God says Lucifer, like everything else God made, was a creation of beauty:
‘Thus says the Lord God: “You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. “You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.”
Ezekiel 28:12-15
The red horned image with long fangs and pointy tail is a lie. I realized that evil is subtle, not in your face, and usually appealing to your senses. So how do I fight an enemy, who in most cases, would do little to nothing to offend me outright? In fact, he would rather let me die of my ignorance and fear – essentially killing myself, both spiritually and physically, through self indulgence.
First, I had to learn his deceptive tactics – which is all about questioning God and my relationship to Him. I use the acronym (s.i.n.) to check myself. If what I say or do appeals to a self indulgent nature – I know that is not of God. My spirit was renewed when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, but my soul (mind, will, and emotions) is a work in progress. My transformation happens through the renewing of my mind.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2
The next step in combating deception is to speak truth when I hear a lie – especially a lie I might tell myself. For example, lies that feed or create an excuse to avoid doing something difficult or new. The Word says; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). I practice this daily in order to change the false perceptions I developed over the years. I have to see this world through spiritual eyes because the enemy I battle is not flesh and blood. My enemy has no authority over me – but his goal is to keep me from walking in that knowledge.
The more I read the Word of God and understand who I am in relationship to Jesus Christ, the more I understand that fear is simply false evidence appearing real.
Not By Bread Alone 