Compel
If you test me, you will find no wickedness in me…. I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God. – Psalm 17:3, 6 (NRSV)
I was in the mood for a scary movie, so I got one online. I was also in the mood for a free scary movie, so I got one from the “included with your subscription” section.
It was predictably bad. Cheap jump scares, lazy dialogue, and, as is often the case with such movies, questionable theology. There’s a demonic possession (of course there is). Partway through the exorcism, the demon snarls at the exorcist, “I know who you are. I know what you did. I know what you think about at niiiiight.” The exorcist falters. People are chucked around the room. Etc.
If demons are real, surely one of their best tricks is convincing you that God will only work with you if you’re particularly holy. They whisper in your ear that only the worthy get blessed, that God comes to the aid of the virginal and no one else, that you are powerless over them because of (insert whatever you’re most ashamed of).
Here’s what the demons don’t want you to know: God’s isn’t going to wait till you’re perfect to help you defeat them. God doesn’t need you to be pure, or utterly without wickedness or doubt or whatever before God will help you cast them out. Sure, willingness, faith, and intention are probably important parts of the equation. But honestly, it doesn’t really matter how much or what kind of power you have, because it’s not your power that compels the evils to leave the world. It’s the power of Christ that compels them.
Prayer
For all your calls for me to increase my holiness and goodness, thank you. For not waiting till I achieve it to answer my calls on behalf of the world, thank you even more. Amen.
About the AuthorQuinn G. Caldwell is Chaplain of the Protestant Cooperative Ministry at Cornell University. His most recent book is a series of daily reflections for Advent and Christmas called All I Really Want: Readings for a Modern Christmas. Learn more about it and find him on Facebook at Quinn G. Caldwell.