We are building on our discussion of daimons, natural urges, becoming demonic in the Body of Christ. As has been mentioned, naming the demons was part of Jesus process of exorcism. To name the demons gave Jesus a level of power over them. I am suggesting that the same can be true within the Body of Christ, be it individual churches or other parts of the denomination or even the whole Body of Christ. So now, how do we go about that in a way that doesn’t result in different parts of the Body hurling accusations against other parts and ripping apart the bonds that hold us together.
My suggestion is that a way to begin is a recognition of the benefit of the daimon and then a mutual exploration of how to avoid it’s shadow side. For example, there are many groups within the current denominations that are threatening to split from their denomination over the gate-keeping role of ordination standards. To begin that decision requires an acknowledgment of the positive desire of people to monitor the faith understanding of those who will be the spiritual leaders of the body within their bounds. The second step is to seek acknowledgement that the division of the Body of Christ is not consistent with the Gospel proclamation of the unity of the body. Then the discussion moves to how we can prevent the natural and good desire to have faithful ordination standards from becoming the demonic division of the Body.
Naming the daimons and naming the demonic is not easy because everyone is afraid that if they reach those agreements, the step towards exorcizing the demon is too difficult. We don’t like to let go of our firm stances and trust that Christ can work with the whole body because God’s grace is sufficient and God’s power is made perfect especially when we are weak.
