The Danger of Cleaning your House

Scripture: Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Luke 11:26

Observation: Jesus is responding to critics of his miraculous ministry. Specifically, people attacked his casting out of demons, saying it was really done by the power of Satan. After explaining how absurd it would be for this to be true, Jesus speaks a word to those critics who also cast out demons. The difference between Jesus and them is that while both called upon God’s power to cast our evil spirits, only Jesus was able to replace the space with the life-giving power of God. These critics offered a temporary solution that ultimately left the person worse off than before. Jesus not only got rid of the evil, but gave that person hope and freedom from future “infestation.” They could clean the room, but only Jesus could come and dwell.

Application: The key to helping people is not to help them overcome their demons, real or metaphorical. The key is to give them new life in Christ. If we help someone overcome an addiction, or a marital problem, or a financial issue, or any bad situation, but we do not give them Christ, then we have only temporarily fixed the problem. Often, we focus on the temporary solution.
I remember helping a couple work through some marriage issues. The core problem was that the husband was not a believer. We did help them get back together, and work things out. But I am not sure that the issue of his salvation was fully addressed. Consequently, I see them falling into the same traps and worry about the future.
In dealing with others, I need to keep in mind that the issue is not the issue, the issue is Jesus.

Prayer: God, help me offer true hope to others by offering One who will come and live in our hearts, not just someone who will clean up the room.