Is it possible for a Christian to be influenced by a demon?
When we come to Christ, our spirits are renewed instantly, but that does not stop the devil and his demons from trying to wreak havoc in your life.
And while you would never open your front door to a ravenous wolf, you may unknowingly let in less obvious but equally destructive creatures into your life without even knowing it.
Demons are like termites. They will stop at nothing to destroy everything of value to you.
So simply saying, “I’m a Christian” or, “I’m not knowingly letting demons in” does not exclude you from their ferocious attacks.
Yes, Jesus will fight our battles but we have been given a firm mandate to not give Satan any ground in our lives.
The scripture I’m reminded of is Ephesians 4:25-27:
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And don’t sin by letting anger control you.[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
This is our proof that we have the power to give the enemy power. When we are walking in our power and fully clothed in the armor of God, we are less susceptible to demonic attacks.
But Satan and his demons look for a weak point of your life to enter in.
Here are just a few of the ways demons can come into your life.
- Giving in to emotional pressures. This life comes with its share of troubles, Jesus was clear of that in John 16:33. But the enemy can gain access when we become overwhelmed by the emotions that are connected to these troubles. The intense sadness we feel when a loved one leaves us, the overwhelming fear we feel when we can’t provide for our family, the uncontrollable lust we have when we desire something we shouldn’t, the intense control we exercise when things aren’t going our way are all open access points for demons to enter your life.
- Parental hatred. If the enemy looks for weak points in your life, what is more, weak and vulnerable than an unborn child? If either one of your parents despised the conception of you, it can be an invitation for the spirit of rejection to take root in one’s life. They can also take root through childhood abuse (physical, emotional, mental), as the abuser was likely demonically influenced and the abuse can open the door for the child.If you are struggling with hatred of your own parents, Deut 27:16 says there is a curse on your life. Satan will stop at nothing and often use those closest to you to gain access to your life.
- Sinful habits. Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that our sin separates us from God. But did you know that it also opens the door to demons? Sinful behaviors are deliberate acts of wrongdoing, such as stealing, perversion, lying, slander, abortion, pornography, and drugs. Just because our society considers these actions to be small sins or justifiable, that doesn’t change how they are seen in the spirit realm. These and many other sinful habits are an open access point that you can’t pray away. Not knowing you’re in sin is not an excuse. Remember, you can’t cast out a demon you keep inviting in.
- Your words (idle talk). We often say things that aren’t the true intentions of our heart. When called out on it, we often respond with “I didn’t mean it” or I was only joking.” We make side-handed comments in an effort to be funny or clever, but the truth is, these words are invitations to demonic spirits. Have you ever caught yourself saying things like:
- I’m sick of this
- I’m so tired of that
- I’d rather be dead
- I hate this
- I can’t think straight
- He or she is a pain in my neck
Jesus spoke of this is in Matt 12:36-37 when he said:
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Idle words are words that are spoken flippantly but can bring destruction into your life through demonic access. It’s as though you are giving permission to the demonic realm to bring to pass the words you have spoken.
5. The occult and false religions. Deuteronomy 27:15 couldn’t be more clear when it states: “Cursed is anyone who carves or casts an idol and secretly sets it up. These idols, the work of craftsmen, are detestable to the Lord.”
When we refer to the occult and false religions, we are referring to the worship of anything other than the one true God. Psychics, mediums, necromancers, Ouija boards, or any form of spiritual practice that is of the devil.
This is a big one my friend. God does not care that Parker Brothers has made a game of the demonic or that you go to a psychic just for fun. This is a demonic door that comes with destructive ramifications for generations. That’s right, even if you have taken no part in it, but any of your ancestors did, you are still an open, legal access point for demons. (Exodus 20:5-6)
6. Unforgiveness. Matthew 18 tells of the parable of the unforgiving debtor. He owed a large sum of money and he was forgiven. But instead of extending that same forgiveness toward a man who owed him a small sum of money, the original debtor demanded payment. When the king heard of this, he had the man thrown in prison to be tortured. When we don’t extend the same mercy to others that Jesus extended to us, we allow demons of offense and unforgiveness to take root in our lives. The next thing you know, you are offended and critical even when you don’t want to be.
Demons will be relentless in their attempts to thwart the plan of God for your life.
Through Jesus, you have the power to resist all the plans of the devil for your life and live in total freedom.
How Toxic are My Thoughts? Quiz
