Throwing Ourselves On The Mercy of a Gracious God

I have, and have read the The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. It is serious, yet written in a humorous and entertaining way. Today, at The Federalist J. Antonio Juarez has an article entitled To Better Avoid Temptation This Lent, Revisit 'The Screwtape Letters' Or Its Many Spin-offs. In it, Juarez shows that the Devil sneaks in with what we consider small sins, and when you give in, he has you for bigger sins. What the Devil tries to get you to believe is that men can't repent. What Christ tells us, however, is that men can always repent, unlike the angels.

Combating our selfish desires and staving off temptations to vice is a cross to bear and crown to wear for those pining after virtue or holiness at any time of the year, but more so now as we enter Holy Week. While remaining steadfast in prayer and fasting is still the best route to take, taking some time for spiritual reading is a great way to stay focused and boost one’s morale.

On the topic of temptation, there is one work that shines above the others: C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters.” Written in 1942, the book is a fictional series of 31 letters from a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, who is still learning the ropes on doing what demons do best — tempting souls away from God. Throughout the letters, Screwtape offers Wormwood ample and well-thought-out advice on how best to damn the soul of an unnamed British man who is simply referred to as “the patient.” The letters cover a range of topics dealing with all the normal vices we are tempted with in life, such as pride, lust, gluttony, and moral laxity. But they are always explained in a way that condenses Lewis’ extensive literary and theological erudition into a very readable book.

While straightforward, Lewis’ prose contains deep psychological insights into the human condition and a rather diabolical cunning that turns the most mundane events in the life of the “patient” into a path away from virtue and toward vice. In fact, the genius of“The Screwtape Letters” is how it shows temptation as not being a single “big ask” by the devil, but a gradual process of rationalizing or moral laziness whereby we walk ourselves into damnation one step at a time.

As we enter Holy Week, leading up to Easter, please read Juarez's piece, and if you don't have it, get a copy of The Screwtape Letters and read it. You will be amazed at the subtle ways the Devil insinuates himself to tempt you to sin. When you recognize your sin, of course throw yourself on the mercy of a gracious God.