We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:18-21
I get asked at times to come and pray with people who feel their house is experiencing demonic influence. I usually encounter some who are certain something evil is near, others who are skeptical, and others who are the cause. I love how John says “the One born of God keeps them safe”. He is referring to Jesus Christ, who is able to keep us safe. This passage of scripture finishes with the admonition to keep yourselves from idols. In Revelation 9 we find a connection between demons and idols “they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.”. The invisible God of the universe is worthy of our worship. How sad we could settle for something less and be deceived by the enemy of our soul.
How about my life? Are there any idols? Is there anything from which I derive my significance that in some way takes the place of God?
Lord, as David wrote in the Psalms, “see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead in me in the way everlasting”. I want to rid my life from even the attraction of idolatry. You, are my heart’s desire.
