Excerpt from Mark 9: 14-32 

Jesus asked the father [of a child having convulsions], "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood.  It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes."  Immediately the father of the child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!"  

Reflection by Ron Buford

My former religious tradition spoke of needing Holy Ghost boldness" to deal with "the Devil." Today we tend to say "Holy Spirit" and speak of evil rather than of a Devil. But evil does not stop when we say, "Please Mr./Ms./Institutional Devil, go away," or "Why can’t we all just get along?"

As Christians, we have the power to command evil to depart from our homes, churches, and communities. Use it. Many evils remain simply because we refuse to command them to leave. Have modern Christians become spiritual couch potatoes, lacking the stamina, power, expectation, or follow-through to stop evil—in ourselves or others?

This concerned father says to Jesus, "If you are able." But Jesus challenges him: "No, Bucko, it's if you are able that matters."  Mark's gospel repeatedly reminds us that our faith brings real completeness or repair.

Turning things over to God is an act of spiritual engagement and sometimes physical action.  Spiritual engagement may lead you to take your medication, make peace, protest a wrong, stop abuse to yourself or others, accept a call, or even restrain yourself to not respond or indulge in self-destructive behavior.

Call upon the power of God within you to stop some evil today, take action, and give God thanks.

Prayer

Gracious God, I boldly command all evil in my life, in my relationships, and in my community to depart, in the name of Jesus. Even as I pray, I can feel belief slipping and doubt increasing. Please strengthen my belief and boldness, and give me what I lack, in Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford, former coordinator of the UCC's God is still speaking campaign, consults with religious and nonprofit organizations, leads workshops, and preaches in churches across the U.S. and U.K. Ron also appears in the DVD-based progressive theology series, Living the Questions 2.0.

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