How Are You Different From Demons?
What separates you from the demons? What makes you any different? As we firmly enter the Halloween season, we start to see more and more imagery of ghouls, goblins, witches, and demons. It’s an interesting question to consider: what makes us different than the demons. according to Scripture? Other than the obvious fact of demons being spiritual creatures and us being humans, what makes you different in your belief system? In chapter 2 of his book, James makes the argument that if you believe there is one God, that alone doesn’t do much for you, for even the demons believe that.
“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” (James 2:19)
Do you believe there is one God? Even the demons believe that. So what makes you different from them?
“How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.” (James 2:20-22)
The answer is your good deeds. James makes the argument that faith alone isn’t enough for us sinful humans. He points to Abraham, a giant and hero of our faith: it wasn’t just faith alone for Abraham, it was his actions that proved his faith and made his faith complete. Just like telling someone who is in need of food or clothing to “have a good day” doesn’t actually do anything for them, James argued that faith without producing good works does nothing for us. It’s dead.
“Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2:15-17)
If your faith isn’t producing good works in your life, then not only is it dead and useless, but your beliefs are no different than that of a demon. Let your faith produce works in your life. Let the life you live be distinctly different from this world and the evil powers of hell. May your faith produce good works and acts of obedience to our great God.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
