Whoever came up with the idea for the “Can you spot the differences” game was brilliant! On the one hand it’s the easiest game to play, just look for the differences between two pictures. On the other hand it can be very complex, depending upon the pictures.
In honor of the World Cup can you spot the 10 differences in the pictures below?
As much fun as it is to play with pictures, I’d like to play a different version of this game.
It’s different in that it is going to be a mental game, no actual pictures. The game is “Can you spot the 5 differences between angels and demons?” I want you to imagine an angel and a demon side by side. In order to paint the full picture in your mind, let’s start with 7 similarities.
7. Similarities between Angels and Demons
- They were created by God. Colossians 1:16
- They were present at the creation of the world. Job 38:4,7
- They are required to occasionally present themselves before God in heaven. Job 1:6, 2:1
- They do things for God. Genesis 19:1-22; 1 Kings 22:19-22
- They are higher in power and intelligence than people. Hebrews 2:7, 9
- They are under Jesus’ authority. Mark 1:21-29
- They believe in God. James 2:19
Demons are fallen angels. In their fallen state they don’t change what they are which is why they are still similar. What are the differences? There are five key differences I want to highlight.
5 Key Differences between Angels and Demons
- Good angels are beneficial Hebrews 1:14; demons are destructive Mark 5:1-12.
- Good angels allay our fears Matthew 1:20; demons incite fear Acts 19:11-18.
- Good angels help people Acts 12:6-11; demons hurt people Matthew 17:14-18
- Good angels have the power of God Jude 9; demons’ power is their own and limited by God Job 1:12; 2:6.
- Good angels honor God Luke 2:14; demons try to turn people away from God 1 Timothy 4:1.
Christians enjoy thinking about and are delighted with the idea of angels being around us to help us. It’s comforting.
Yet that comfort turns to discomfort when the topic is demons, doesn’t it? Some of you who just read the things a demon can do are afraid they could happen to you! You think about Job. You forget he was the most righteous man on the earth Job 1:3 and the only believer in the Bible who suffered at Satan’s hand. And you forget the end of the story, God and Job won.
Are you afraid? Look above at point 2. Where does fear come from? This is important. Where does the fear of demons or Satan come from? Where does your fear of demons come from? Fear doesn’t come from God, ever! 1 John 4:18.
If you fear demons or Satan, here’s what you do. First acknowledge fear is not from God! Then meditate on 1 John 4:4 “greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.” Then confess to God your unbelief and rest confidently in His care, love and protection of you. 1 Peter 5:6-10.
What helps you to be strong in the Lord? Please leave a comment below.
