The Demon’s Book

“Now I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all say the same thing, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by members of Chloe's household, that there are quarrels among you. What I am saying is this: each of you says, "I'm with Paul," or "I'm with Apollos," or "I'm with Cephas," or "I'm with Christ." – 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 HCSB

There once was a wise man who over time came to have many followers. Some of them even came to live near him so that they could learn directly from him how to live well. One of these disciples was a young man who came to have such an appreciation for the tzaddik’s thoughts that he took it upon himself to record them all in a book. As the good man spoke, the young student busily scribbled all his words into his notebook.

The wise man knew full well of the great spiritual battle that went on around all of mankind.[1] In fact, the Lord had granted him the ability to see the spiritual beings[2] that surrounded them much like the great prophet Elisha.[3] As he was walking, he saw a demon going by that had a large book under its arm.

“Stop in the name of Yahweh Yeshua!”[4] he commanded the demon. “What is that you have under your arm?”[5]

The demon responded, “Why this is your very own words! It is an entire book of your teachings! I am using it to ensnare your disciple.” The tzaddik took the book and carefully looked at each page. Sure enough, they were his teachings; but somehow, in transferring them to this book, the disciple had twisted them. Though they sounded like the teachers words when read, on the page they looked subtly…wrong.

Finally, the teacher realized what was wrong. He rebuked the demon and sent him away then took the book to the disciple. He asked, “Is this the work of your hand?”

The young man proudly responded, “Yes, teacher! I have been faithfully recording your words for posterity!”

The teacher showed him the pages and how the words were slightly wrong. “There is nothing wrong with trying to remember what you have learned,” he gently taught. “There is nothing wrong with recording my words.[6] The difference is the heart-reason driving you. You have started worshipping my words rather than my Lord.” Then two together started a fire and burnt the book.

There is nothing wrong with seeking out a mentor, finding somebody who is further down the path than you who can help you on your way.[7] The danger lies in beginning to forget that they, too, are students.[8] The best mentor in the world will tell you, “Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.”

[1] 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
[2] Acts 12:7-10
[3] 2 Kings 6:15-17
[4] John 14:13-14; Jude 1:9
[5] Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30
[6] 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Colossians 2:8
[7] Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
[8] Matthew 15:1-14