Are We Overusing the Word Demonic?

One of the more troubling trends I’ve noticed in Christian conversations is the habit of calling every viewpoint we dislike “demonic.” I’ve seen it applied to abortion, to “transgender ideology,” and to other cultural issues. While it’s true that evil spiritual beings influence the structures and patterns of this world, labeling everything we oppose as “demonic” is neither helpful nor accurate.

Why? Because the moment we throw out the word “demonic,” we effectively shut down dialogue. That label doesn’t invite conversation—it ends it. If I believe your position is demonic, then why would you listen to me? Why would you try to understand my point of view? Your only option is to resist me, rather than reason with me. 

As followers of Jesus, aren’t we called to do more than shout down our opponents? Aren’t we called to persuade, to love, and to embody the truth in ways that draw others in rather than drive them away?

There’s another danger, too. It’s easy to reserve the label “demonic” for ideas we already dislike while overlooking how evil spiritual forces influence things we personally support. For example, some Christians are quick to call abortion demonic, but slow to acknowledge the demonic influence behind war, nationalism, patriotism, racism, or unjust economic systems. If Satan truly masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), then his influence may be most dangerous where we least expect it—among the things we feel most comfortable with.

I’ll be honest: I struggle with this myself. Recently I shared a post on Facebook that said, “A person being murdered is only rationalized by the depraved and only celebrated by the demonic.” I could rationalize my sharing of that statement, and in one sense I do believe it captures truth. But it also reminded me how easy it is to use the word “demonic” to make a point. It feels strong and clarifying, but if I’m not careful, it can oversimplify complex realities or shut down conversation. I also fear that using the word “demonic” can dehumanize people on the other side. That tension between being helpful and creating barriers is exactly why I need to be cautious with my language.

This is where Paul’s example in Acts 17 is so helpful. When he stood in Athens surrounded by idols, he didn’t start by condemning their worship as demonic—even though idolatry is clearly opposed to God. Instead, he looked for common ground. “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious” (Acts 17:22). Rather than shutting the conversation down with a harsh label, he opened it up with respect and curiosity. He even quoted their own poets to build a bridge. Only after establishing that connection did he clearly point them to the true God and call them to repentance.

Paul shows us a better way. He didn’t deny the reality of spiritual darkness, but he also didn’t weaponize that truth to silence his listeners. Instead, he used it as a foundation for dialogue and an opportunity for witness. That’s the model we need today.

The Apostle Paul also reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Yes, there are spiritual powers at work behind the brokenness of this world. But recognizing that should make us humble, not careless with our words. It should drive us to prayer, discernment, and faithful living—not to weaponizing the word “demonic” as a way of dismissing those who disagree with us.

When Christians casually call opposing views “demonic,” we misrepresent the gospel. We risk treating people as enemies rather than fellow humans made in God’s image. We give ourselves an excuse not to love, not to listen, not to engage. Instead, we are called to see people as captives in need of liberation, not as enemies to be destroyed.

So the next time we’re tempted to use “demonic” as a quick label, let’s pause. Let’s remember that spiritual forces are at work everywhere—not just in the causes we oppose, but in the ones we embrace. And let’s choose the harder, better way: to engage with compassion, to reason with gentleness, and to bear witness to the kingdom of God without relying on shortcuts that shut the conversation down.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Walking in Light

1 John 1:5–2:2

When was the last time you had to use your cell phone as a flashlight? Maybe you were rummaging around in the garage, trying to read a menu in a dimly lit restaurant, or searching for something in the backyard at night. Why did you need it? Because it was dark—and without light, you couldn’t see clearly.

That’s a picture of life in this world. As sinners living among other sinners in a fallen world, we encounter darkness every day. Sure, we may have Instagram-worthy moments that feel like sunny-day picnics, but the truth is, life often feels more like a midnight walk through the woods. On most days, we face more confusion, temptation, and brokenness than clarity and peace.

And here’s the problem: without light, we can’t move forward safely. Without light, we can’t see where we’re going—or even where the dangers are. That’s why we need something outside ourselves to light the way. Psalm 119:105 says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God has provided light for our darkness—truth that reveals reality and guides us forward.

It is this idea of light that John starts the main part of his teaching: “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

God Is Light

When John says that God is light, he’s saying something profound. Light represents what is good, pure, true, beautiful, and holy. Darkness, on the other hand, represents evil, deception, and sin.

To say that God is light means:

• His character is good, pure, and beautiful.
• His word is true and trustworthy.
• He reveals the way of life.

In God there is no deception, no evil, and no sin. He is holy—and that holiness shines into our world to expose what is real.

This was not just a theological statement for John; it was practical. False teachers had infiltrated the early church. They claimed fellowship with God while living in sin. They claimed they had no sin to worry about. Some even claimed that sin didn’t matter because it only affected the body, not the spirit. John corrects these lies with the truth of who God is and what it means to walk in the light.

Three False Claims

John takes up three false claims the false teachers were making:

1. Claim: We can have fellowship with God while living in darkness. — John says no—if we walk in darkness while claiming to know God, we are deceiving ourselves. Fellowship with God is seen in how we live: walking in truth, resisting evil, and demonstrating God’s character.
2. Claim: We don’t have sin. — John says that if we deny our sin nature, we are lying to ourselves. The good news, though, is this: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1:9).
3. Claim: We have not sinned. — This is even more dangerous. To deny sin in our lives is to call God a liar and reject His word. Scripture is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

John’s point is not that Christians will never sin. His point is that when we sin, we have an Advocate—Jesus Christ the righteous. His death on the cross atones for our sins, and not only for ours, but for the sins of the whole world.

What This Means for Us

So how does this speak into our daily lives?

1. Life makes sense through the reality of God. On our own, life often feels meaningless. Why do people do terrible things? Why do I struggle with behavior I know is wrong? Why does life sometimes feel empty? The answer is found in the light of God—through His word and through Jesus. He helps us make sense of the world and shows us how to live.
2. Living in the light is more about how we live than what we know. Right belief matters—but right belief is meant to lead to right living. There are people who can recite the creeds, quote Scripture, and defend doctrine, yet their lives are marked by pride, anger, or selfishness. Walking in the light is about demonstrating God’s character in everyday life: love, kindness, honesty, forgiveness.
3. We need humility. The danger John confronts is pride—a pride that says, “I’ve got it all figured out. I don’t struggle with sin. I don’t need correction.” Walking in the light requires humility: admitting that we still have darkness in us, that we still sin, that we still need God’s grace every day. The good news is that we don’t need to hide our sin or pretend it isn’t there. Jesus has already taken care of it.

Walking in the Light

Here’s the heart of it:

1. God is light—holy, pure, and true.
2. We cannot claim fellowship with Him and continue to walk in darkness.
3. Walking in the light means living honestly, humbly, and lovingly.
4. And when we do sin, we don’t deny it or despair over it—we bring it to Jesus, our Advocate.

This is the good news: The God who is light has made a way for us to walk in His light—through Jesus.

So let me leave you with two challenges:

• Personal: Practice walking in the light by confessing your sins honestly to God. Don’t excuse them. Don’t hide them. Bring them into His light, trusting His promise of forgiveness.
• Relational: Look for one way to demonstrate God’s character in your relationships. Be patient with someone who tests you. Show kindness when it isn’t deserved. Offer forgiveness when it’s hard.

Closing Thought

Imagine a room with every window shuttered and every light switched off. You can’t see the dust, the clutter, or the broken things. But when sunlight pours in, everything is revealed.

That’s what it means for God to be light. His light exposes our sin, but it also reveals our Savior. And that’s the hope of the gospel: Jesus, our Advocate, has already taken care of our sin.

So step into the light—live honestly, walk humbly, love deeply—and let God’s character shine through you into a dark world.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Wrestling with Hebrews 10:26

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. — Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)

If you’ve ever stumbled across Hebrews 10:26, you might’ve felt a chill run down your spine. I know I have. It’s one of those verses that stops you in your tracks: “No longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins?” Does that mean salvation can slip through our fingers if we keep messing up?

A friend recently reached out, deeply worried that habitual sin might disqualify them from salvation. That concern is real and worth taking seriously. So, let’s walk through this verse together and explore the truth the author of Hebrews is driving at.

The Context: A Letter to the Pressured

First, a little context helps. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were feeling the heat—persecution, hardship, and social pressure were pushing them to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiar safety of the Old Testament rituals. Throughout the letter, the author urges them to see Jesus as the superior high priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the old system (Hebrews 10:10–14).

By the time we get to chapter 10, the tone is urgent yet hopeful: Hold fast to your faith. Don’t give up.

Then we hit verses 26–27:

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. (NLT)

Wow! That’s scary to think about.

A Hypothetical Gut Punch

But here’s what I think is going on: this isn’t about losing salvation every time we struggle with sin. It’s a warning—not a final verdict. A wake-up call, not a declaration of doom.

What do I mean by that?

Look at the flow of the chapter. In verses 23–25, the author encourages the believers to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and to keep meeting together. These are positive exhortations to persevere.

Then verse 26 introduces a sharp contrast: If you walk away from this—if you reject the truth after knowing it, if you sin willfully in the sense of turning your back on Jesus—what’s left? If you reject the only true sacrifice, there’s no other place to turn. No backup plan. No alternative Savior.

This isn’t about stumbling, struggling, or even falling into repeated sin. It’s about a deliberate, decisive rejection of the gospel after fully understanding it.

A helpful example comes from John 6:67–69:

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (NLT)

Even when the teaching was hard, the disciples stayed because they had experienced the life found only in Jesus. That’s the heart behind Hebrews 10:26—it’s urging us not to walk away from the only source of life.

Apostasy, Not Struggle

It’s worth noting that the Greek word for “deliberately” (hekousiōs) refers to a willful, persistent rejection. Think apostasy: someone who has truly tasted the truth and then says, “No thanks,” and walks away entirely. That’s different from someone fighting a habitual sin—whether it’s anger, lust, envy, or something else. For those struggles, the Bible promises grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about God keeping score until you’re disqualified. It’s about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus altogether. It’s asking, “If you walk away from Him, where else can you go?”

Reconciling with Grace

Seeing Hebrews 10:26 this way helps us keep it in harmony with the rest of the New Testament. Consider John 10:28–29, where Jesus says no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Or Romans 8:38–39, where Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love. If Hebrews were saying salvation is lost every time we sin willfully, those promises would crumble.

But as a hypothetical warning, it fits. The message is: Don’t abandon Jesus—He’s the only way. Stay with Him.

To my friend concerned about their habitual sins, I’d say this: God isn’t waiting to pull the rug out from under you. Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about your daily struggles. It’s an encouragement to cling to Jesus when life gets hard and sin feels overwhelming. Keep fighting. Keep repenting. Keep relying on grace.

That’s what Hebrews 10 is really about.

Why It Matters

Hebrews is a letter of encouragement with a few sobering what-ifs. It’s for people like us—tempted to drift, prone to doubt, and in need of reminders to hold on. Verse 26 isn’t there to scare us into perfection. It’s there to show us what’s at stake if we walk away.

Jesus’ sacrifice is everything. There’s no Plan B—and there doesn’t need to be. He’s enough.

So, what do you think? Does this view of Hebrews 10:26 bring clarity or raise more questions? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them below or send me a message. Let’s keep wrestling with this together.

Transformed by Grace: Transformed for Impact

Imagine standing before a narrow two-by-four stretched across the floor. You could walk it easily, eyes fixed on the path, step by steady step. Now picture that same board suspended ten stories high between skyscrapers, wind howling, a crowd watching below. Suddenly, your focus wavers—your heart races, you’re thinking about the fall, the noise, the stakes. That’s the power of focus.

Coach Jimmy Johnson shared this illustration with his Dallas Cowboys before the 1993 Super Bowl, facing intense pressure from the crowd, media, and a formidable opponent. He told them, “Don’t get distracted by the hype or fear of failure. Treat each play like practice, one step at a time.” They listened, stayed focused, and dominated, winning 52-17.

In Titus 3, the Apostle Paul delivers a similar message. In a world buzzing with distractions—divisive arguments, cultural pressures, and the temptation to blend into Crete’s corrupt society—he urges believers to keep their eyes on God’s grace, good works, and unity in Christ. Like those Cowboys, we’re called to walk the path God has laid out, undeterred by the chaos around us. When we anchor ourselves in His grace, we can live confidently, no matter how high the stakes.

The Purpose of Titus: Living Transformed Lives

Throughout our series, Grace that Transforms, we’ve seen Paul’s emphasis on right living in his letter to Titus. He’s passionate about Christians in Crete representing King Jesus well. This requires competent leaders teaching sound doctrine, awareness of false teachers, and an understanding that right living flows from right teaching. Each group—older men, older women, younger men, younger women, slaves—has a role in reflecting God’s grace. The core truth? We are people transformed by grace, and this transformation carries a responsibility to steward God’s gift faithfully.

Paul wrote this letter to bolster Titus’s authority as his apostolic representative in Crete, equipping him to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Titus wasn’t a pastor or bishop but Paul’s delegate, tasked with ensuring the churches lived out the gospel. This final chapter ties it all together, showing how grace transforms us to live for impact.

Examining Titus 3: Living Out Grace

Verses 1–2: Living as Good Citizens
Paul calls believers to represent King Jesus in two directions: toward the state and toward others. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we might think earthly authorities don’t apply to us, but Jesus, Paul, and Peter all teach otherwise. We’re to pay taxes, obey laws, and live in ways that benefit society, as Jeremiah instructed the exiles. With those outside the church, we’re to treat them kindly, avoid conflicts, and foster good relations. Takeaway: Christians should live in a way that makes as few waves as possible, building bridges through respect and service.

Verses 3–8: The Gospel of Grace
Paul reminds us of our past: foolish, disobedient, enslaved to sinful desires, full of envy and hatred. But God’s kindness and love intervened—not because of our works, but through His mercy. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and the Spirit’s work in baptism, we’re washed clean and given new life. This early creed (v. 8, “This is a trustworthy saying”) underscores that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously, with confidence in eternal life. Takeaway: God’s grace saves us and enables us to live transformed lives, guided by the Spirit.

Verses 9–11: Avoiding Divisive Disputes
Crete’s false teachers stirred pointless debates over genealogies and Jewish law, distracting from the gospel and hindering good works. Paul instructs Titus to warn divisive people twice, then exclude them if they persist. Unity is critical—divisive behavior undermines our witness and shows a heart uninterested in following Jesus. Takeaway: Unity in the church is vital; we must address divisive behavior firmly yet graciously to protect our mission.

Verses 12–15: Supporting God’s Work
Paul closes by urging Titus to support missionaries like Zenas and Apollos and to encourage believers to meet urgent needs. Whether through giving, loving neighbors, or praying, everyone has a role in God’s mission. Takeaway: The church thrives when we actively support mission and serve practical needs, reflecting God’s grace in action.

Connecting to Today’s World

Like Crete, our world is divided—politically, socially, and even within churches. Social media and news amplify slander and disputes, tempting Christians to either join the fray or retreat. Titus 3 offers a third way: living out God’s grace through kindness, service, and unity. How? First, focus on what you can control—how you treat others. Practice “benevolent detachment,” letting go of the need to win every argument. Second, treat people with respect, avoiding slander. Third, remember you represent King Jesus in every interaction.

The grace that saved us (vv. 4–7) empowers us to live differently. Just as God showed kindness when we were “foolish” and “enslaved” (v. 3), we’re called to show compassion to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Instead of seeing the world as an enemy to defeat, see people as enslaved to sin, needing our love, help, and prayers.

Applying to Life: Representing God’s Grace

Paul’s message is clear: how we live matters. Our right living, rooted in God’s grace, extends beyond the church to how we engage the state and the world. We’re to love and respect others, remembering we were once lost in sin, just as they are. Our lives should extend God’s mercy, showing that His love and grace are real.

Big Idea: How we live gives credibility to God’s love, mercy, and grace. We can’t proclaim forgiveness and new life if our actions are marked by arrogance or hatred. People trapped in sin need to see that following Jesus makes a difference—that His love transforms lives.

Challenge: Ask God to help you represent His grace well. Your life—how you treat others, what you believe—may be the closest someone gets to the gospel. Live in a way that draws them to Jesus.

Final Thought: Gandhi once said, “One man cannot do right in one department of life whilst he is occupied in doing wrong in any other department. Life is one indivisible whole.” This truth applies to following Jesus. We can’t love fellow Christians while slandering or fighting the world. We’re called to love our neighbors, pray for our enemies, and represent King Jesus in all we say and do. May this reality guide our lives, transforming us for impact.

Source for Gandhi quote: Stephen Covey, First Things First (Simon & Schuster, 1994), p. 121, citing Eknath Easwaran, Gandhi, the Man (Nilgin Press, 1978), p. 145.