A Word from Dr. McCormack — Exposing Hidden Evil

In Ephesians 5:11, Paul challenges God’s adopted “children of light” to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” 

That is indeed my goal in Section I of Hidden Medicine, entitled “Spiritual Realities.” My hope is to shine a light on the hidden foes behind much of the world’s problems, including sickness and disease.

Paul’s admonition here isn’t merely a moral exhortation—it’s a strategic summons into spiritual warfare. In my upcoming book, Hidden Medicine, I show that much of what afflicts our bodies and minds springs from unseen sources: demonic “viruses,” strongholds built on lies, and open doors we unknowingly leave ajar. Let’s explore how Paul’s call to expose hidden evil dovetails with the spiritual prescription laid out in the 12 Steps of Ruachiatry presented in Hidden Medicine.

1. The Covert Enemy and Our Unseen Vulnerabilities

Paul reminds us that darkness works in secrecy, and unless we shine light upon it, its schemes remain unchecked. Hidden Medicine describes how “spiritual enemies operate—they look for open doors, unguarded minds,” using sin, trauma, fear, and even well-intentioned tolerance to gain footholds in our inner world.

• Tolerance as an Open Door

Today, tolerance is celebrated as a virtue—yet “tolerance of beliefs or behaviors that violate God’s standards is a sinister, slippery slope leading … to gradual moral decay”. When we fail to discern and declare truth, we unwittingly provide a gateway for hidden evil.

• Occult and Trauma

Occult dabbling and untreated traumas act like invitations: “Traumas … are the number one means by which demonic foes … lay the foundation of mental strongholds”. Paul’s injunction to expose darkness means we must first soberly assess where our own defenses are down.

2. Identifying and Tearing Down Strongholds

Ephesians 5:11 isn’t passive observation—it’s active engagement. Once we’ve spotted the enemy’s works, we must dismantle them. Hidden Medicine teaches that demonic strongholds are “impregnable fortresses” built on lies, infecting our thoughts and behaviors.

• From Foothold to Stronghold

Hidden Medicine uses the metaphor of doors and towers: small compromises become “footholds,” (for example, Scripture states that anger gives the devil a “foothold” in Ephesians 4:27) then grow into “strongholds” that enslave our minds. Exposing hidden evil requires recognizing these patterns—whether it’s bitterness from past wounds or addictive behaviors—and bringing them into the light of God’s truth.

• Renewing the Mind

Paul later urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom 12:2). In Hidden Medicine, this renewal is the “antivirus” of the spirit: replacing lies with God’s Word, as outlined in the Ruachiatry steps of confession, repentance, and Scripture meditation.

3. Equipping Ourselves with Spiritual Armor

After exposing darkness and beginning demolition, Paul doesn’t leave us defenseless. In Ephesians 6:11 he commands, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Two of the 6 pieces of spiritual armor are particularly relevant here, according to Hidden Medicine:

• The Belt of Truth

Truth is the foundation. Without it, we cannot discern real threats. Hidden Medicine purports that “truth … is the one weapon that can hold back spiritual enemies.” 

• The Sword of the Spirit

The only offensive weapon in our arsenal is “the Word of God.” Regular engagement with Scripture not only reveals hidden lies but empowers us to “expose them” with divine authority.

4. Walking as Children of Light

To “expose the deeds of darkness” is not a one-time act but a lifestyle. Hidden Medicine instructs us that believers now possess positional authority over evil spirits—yet that authority is effective only when wielded through faith and obedience, not human effort alone. 

• Daily Vigilance

Just as we guard our physical health against germs, we must vigilantly guard our spiritual health—closing open doors, tearing down strongholds, and fortifying our minds with truth.

• Corporate Responsibility

Exposing evil is not solo work. Paul writes to a body of believers; Hidden Medicine emphasizes the importance of community, spiritual mentors, and accountability in recognizing and resisting hidden influences.

A Call to Action

Ephesians 5:11 beckons us out of complacency. If we truly are God’s adopted children of light:

1. Examine Your Heart: What doors have you left unguarded—fear, anger, tolerance of compromise?

2. Bring Lies to Light: Confess, repent, and renew your mind with Scripture, using the Ruachiatry steps as your guide.

3. Arm Yourself Daily: Belt yourself with truth, wield the Word of God, and stand firm in faith.

4. Stand Together: Engage in prayer, worship, and community to sharpen one another’s discernment.

   
   

When we do this, we fulfill Paul’s charge to expose hidden evil and, in partnership with the Great Physician, bring true healing—body, soul, and spirit—where darkness once reigned.