“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them."
The first error presents a danger because the Bible clearly says that devils exist. They can torment (Matthew 17:1), give people the ability to predict the future (Acts 16:16), and they can cause people to sin (I Chronicles 21:1). This was not limited to the time period of Jesus ( 1 Samuel 16). They continue their activities today and will continue until they are judged by God. Revelation 9:11 says the demon Abaddon will lead an army of locusts in the End Times. In the same chapter, four demons are released from their temporary prison in the Euphrates river to wreak havoc on the Earth. Demons are active today. How else can anyone justify the right to murder a baby?
Although possession is not a common occurrence, it does happen. I have witnessed it at least twice. Voices changed, murder was in their eyes, and I was scared because no one ever taught me about fighting the devil even through I spent most of my life in church. I later spent years reading everything I could about demons and exorcisms. I also talked with others. I even wrote a book about the subject. However, I feel like I and many other people fell into Lewis's second error.
Many of these folks seemed like genuine people. However, its as though they believed a demon was behind every corner. Sin was ascribed to demons, which absolved people of responsibility for their actions. The ones who believed in demons seemed obsessed with them, There was a demons for everything. A demon for a nightmare, a demon for a coffee addiction, etc. I think they were well-meaning people, but they almost seemed afraid of their own shadows. They were some of the most miserable people I have ever met. And their view of God was greatly diminished. Satan seemed to be equal to or greater than God. In a way, the devil was worshiped.
There is only one person who has the power of God and that is God (Isaiah 45:5). He alone is God. Satan can cause some major drama, but he is not, nor will ever be God. He alone is all powerful and worthy of worship. To prevent my family from falling into the second error as I had done, I removed all materials from my house that concerned spiritual warfare.
If we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, we will be safe from both errors.(Hebrews 12:1-3).