Question: I really enjoy the Plain Truth Commentary as well s the questions that you answer so well. My question regards demons. I have a Christian friend who has a roommate supposedly demon-possessed. I personally have never had any contact with demons and don’t want any, but she has extensive experience from what she tells me. My question is, why would a Christian voluntarily live with a demon-possessed individual? I know my friend wants to help this person, but I don’t think it is wise to live with such a person. I know as a Christian we don’t have to fear such things, but I don’t think we should welcome demonic activity with open arms either. I don’t really expect you to tell me what she may be thinking, but I’m just confused by her apparent acceptance of this situation as no big deal and wonder, is she putting herself (and her children) in jeopardy? Your comments would be appreciated.

Answer: Dear Alex,

The Bible is clear – he that is in us is greater than he who is in the world

(I John 4:4). We need not fear the prince of the power of the air, or his demons. However, the Bible is also clear that we should not seek to co-exist with them, to "flirt" with unseen powers about which we know little, to "walk on the edge" simply because God will protect us. In fact, that very approach was one the temptations Satan used on Jesus – telling him to throw himself off the temple, quoting the Bible out of context to say that the angels will protect us, regardless of the foolish or ill-advised actions we may take (Matthew 4:6).

Extensive experience with demons and the occult is not a credential that impresses God, and is not an activity or goal that Christians aspire to. What you describe seems to be an example of the idiom, "playing with fire" – not a good idea.