Section 38

“It is not right to boast about casting out demons or to become proud because diseases are healed. Nor should the person who drives out demons be greatly honored while the person who does not is regarded as nothing.

“Instead, examine each person’s ascetic way of life. Imitate what is good in it, strive to equal it, or correct what needs correction.

“The working of signs does not belong to us; it is the Savior’s work. For this reason he said to his disciples: ‘Do not rejoice that the demons are subject to you, but that your names are written in heaven.’ The fact that our names are written in heaven is evidence of a virtuous life. Casting out demons, however, is a gift granted by the Savior.

“Therefore, to those who boasted in signs but not in virtue and said, ‘Lord, did we not cast out demons in your name, and in your name perform many mighty works?’ he answered, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you,’ because the Lord does not know the ways of the wicked.

“We should always pray, as I said before, that we may receive the gift of discerning spirits, so that, as Scripture says, we do not believe every spirit.