Nov. 22, 2015

Many Christians today, it seems to us, are preoccupied, even obsessed, with the demonic. They look for Satan in every nook and cranny – particularly their neighbors’ nooks and crannies.

As some of our predecessors imperiled their souls with inquisitions and witch hunts, so there are many today who appear to be dangerously hooked on searching for the demonic in others. Whenever these people find themselves in some theological or doctrinal disagreement with another follower of Christ, they may begin to wonder whether their "brother" or "sister" might not be, consciously or unconsciously, "a tool of Satan."

Let a fellow Christian perform some act that puzzles them or falls outside their own chosen lifestyle and they may begin to intone those ominous words: "Counterfeit works of the Devil!"

Our objection to this reaction is not that there is no evil in the world, nor that the power of the demonic is not real. Jesus himself acknowledged the power of this reality. Yet, although he did, he did not focus on it.

What he focused on was the Spirit of God working in this world and the promise of the Kingdom of God. He chose to "accentuate the positive" – God’s presence and power – instead of the negative disposition to see the Devil wherever he looked.

The key to Christ’s approach on this subject is pragmatic. There are no chemical, psychological or mechanical tests or devices to determine who or what has a demon. So, Jesus employed a simple but profound rule-of-thumb: "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its fruit" (6:43,44).

Thus the proof was to be found not in judgment of each other’s theology, doctrines and religious lifestyles, but only the evaluation of the fruits that they bear. In other words, a doctrine that is sound should produce a sound Christian life. A lifestyle that bears good fruit and issues in loving service to our neighbors must be authentic.

Thorns do not bear good fruits and Satan-dominated people do not consistently live loving, redemptive lives.

It would seem, then, the only true test of the authenticity of another’s faith must be its fruitfulness. If a person comes to us with a "new discovery" in his or her spiritual life, claiming "I’ve found it!" who are we to question the particulars of that spiritual discovery so long as it is productive of Christ-like love and service?

Of course, if you really have "found it," then among the obvious results should be a humility and love that find fruition not in judging others, but in serving them. The fruits of Christian discipleship are mostly at odds with the established values of our society:

Society calls us to hate our enemies …but Jesus commands us to love our enemies.

Society counsels us to return evil to those who do evil to us …but Jesus specified, do good to those who hate you.

Society expects us to strike back when we are struck … but Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek!

The philosopher Nietzsche once said: "Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is strong." In interpreting this remark, Dr. Karl Menninger has pointed out those who often call for the harshest measures against wrongdoers are those who secretly feel uneasy because they have entertained the same desire themselves.

No one is more bitter in condemning the "loose woman" than the "good women" who have on occasion guiltily enjoyed some purple dreams themselves. The first stone, someone has said, is always cast by someone who himself is "not without sin."

It takes courage, therefore, to face the realities of sin and failure in our own lives. To project them as hostilities upon others is the greatest weakness of all. It is cowardice to condemn another because we don’t have the courage to face the failures of our own morality.

That doesn’t mean a Christian ought never to punish, but never to punish in self-righteousness or with the pleasure that is often so evident. Jesus does not permit us to enjoy the sins of others.

Because the term "lord" means one to whom we give our obedience, there is nothing more ludicrous than someone running around and saying, "Lord, Lord," but doesn’t live the redemptive and loving life to which all of Christ’s disciples are called.

If we are truly his followers, we will not only hear and believe his words, but we will do them – and there will be no thorns on our fruit trees.

Read Luke 6:20-49 as a personal checklist. On each of the pronouncements of Jesus ("love your enemies," etc.), measure your own life. How do you stack up?

Do you have any enemies? Consider: there are personal enemies, political enemies (the "other" party), ideological enemies (liberals or conservatives), social enemies (criminals). religious enemies (Muslims), moral enemies (gay people) and national enemies (Iran).

We’re not saying the above-mentioned are our enemies, but that they are often perceived that way. Compile your own list of enemies. Just how does Jesus expect us to treat each of these?

What are some of the "specks in your brother’s eye" that bother you? Can you think of some "logs … in your own eye" that ought to bother you more? As you re-read Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, can you think of any "thorns" on your "fruit tree?"

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.