Childhood monsters can become adult demons.
It’s been some time since I’ve written a post; no excuse other than I didn’t feel like writing.
Instead, I’ve been watching a television series on Netflix called “Criminal Minds”.
I realize the show is not for everyone, and some of the themes are pretty dark, but I have always been fascinated with behavioral studies.
Especially as it pertains to why certain criminals do what they do.
But watching an episode last night hit a little too close to home. No, it didn’t make me want to go out and kill someone.
But it did stir up old memories from my childhood.
So it hit me: childhood monsters can become adult demons.
I’ll not bore you with details, but suffice it to say I had monsters to face as a kid. Real monsters. They didn’t hide in my closet or live under my bed, but I saw them every day.
At times, everything seemed wonderful. The monsters were nowhere to be seen. But things could and did change without warning.
And the monsters were back.
Thinking of all of this while watching the program made me realize a few things.
First of all, I thought of just how blessed I am to have weathered a stormy childhood. I’m not saying I’ve never had to deal with any adult demons. No, I’ve had plenty.
But things could have been worse. A lot worse.
Secondly, we all need a savior. Not just to forgive us of our sins, but to make us a brand new creation. A child of God. After all, without the new nature we receive from the Lord, anyone is capable of giving in to the demands of our demons.
Remember, our childhood monsters CAN become our adult demons.
Finally, I thought of those who are trying to overcome the past, and distance themselves from their monsters.
It doesn’t work.
You can’t outrun your memories, experiences, hurts, scars, etc. No one is that fast. But there are some things you can do to keep the monsters at bay, and the demons off your back.
1. As mentioned before, we all need a savior. Rather than constantly facing your demons, turn your heart to Jesus Christ. He’ll not only forgive you of your past, but will also make you a brand new creation.
2. Choose to forgive the past’s players. That doesn’t mean you have to spend time with them. In fact, forgiving them is more for your own health and welfare than theirs. Without the release of forgiveness, you may become the monster you hated. You may find yourself doing the same things to the people you love; all the while hating every moment of your life.
3. Renew your mind with God’s word. Take control of your thoughts, not allowing hatred or bitterness to hang around.
4. Feed your faith in God. The monsters/demons who want to keep you under their control lose all power when your source of emotional and mental strength, along your personal self-worth, is based upon Father God’s opinion of you.
Not theirs.
5. Love covers a multitude of sins. Yours, theirs, everyone’s. However, excuses cover nothing.
Excuses only allow childhood monsters to grow into adult demons. Excuses say, “That’s just how they are. They can’t help what they do. They weren’t treated well in their childhood, so we shouldn’t expect any different.”
Love cuts them off at the knees, because love declares truth. Truth says, “That isn’t right. Regardless of the reason why the monster is on the loose, it isn’t right and something must be done about it. I’ll put up with it no longer.”
Truth is what monsters and demons fear the most.
Childhood monsters can become adult demons, but they don’t have to. At least not in your life.
Jan Grace 