Is a demon involved when something bad happens? Many of the people Jesus restores from physical and spiritual infirmities are oppressed by demons (e.g., Matthew 12:23, Matthew 8:23ff). Satan tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), and Jesus warns Peter that the adversary threatens him with the same (Luke 22:31). It is no wonder we may be inclined to see a demon under every stone that makes us stumble.
Yet James excludes demons of any kind from his discussion of temptation (1:13-15). God, evil, luring, enticement, desire, self, sin, and death are all in the mix, but not Satan or a minion. Because he speaks so directly of Satan (4:7) and demons (2:19, 3:15) throughout the rest of his letter, the exclusion seems deliberate.
As a much younger believer, I learned to hear the difference between my friends who spoke of “demon tobacco” or “demon lust” metaphorically, and those who spoke of them quite literally. But I also learned that the response that matters—faith in God—is the same regardless of whether demons are involved, acknowledged, or not. The response both James and Peter prescribe even when a spiritual enemy is literally at the gate is not about the enemy, but about our faith. “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands…” (James 4:8). “…whom resist steadfast in the faith…” (1 Peter 5:9).
Why the ambivalence? Because in every circumstance, the one thing certainly present is the God in whom we have faith. Paul says it most succinctly to the Philippians: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:12-13). So we acknowledge God’s wisdom, plan, and power when we face adversity, thank him when we have a meal, and seek him when we are lost.
Whatever else may be present, under every stone there is most certainly our Savior.
To a week of faith in him.