Don't Let Screwtape Win

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get dragged into arguments about politics, gossip, or the failings of others? You scroll the headlines, you read the comments, you shake your head in frustration … and somehow, without even realising it, your heart fills with angst instead of peace. C.S. Lewis captured this perfectly in his classic book, The Screwtape Letters–a series of fictional letters in which a senior demon, Screwtape, trains his nephew, Wormwood, in how to keep a human soul away from God. Here's one chilling bit of advice: "Let him begin by treating the Patriotism or the Pacifism as a part of his religion. Then let him, under the influence of partisan spirit, come to regard it as the most important part. Then quietly and gradually nurse him on to the stage at which the religion becomes merely part of the 'Cause', in which Christianity is valued chiefly because of the excellent arguments it can produce in favour of the British war effort or of Pacifism." That's the devil's strategy: keep your eyes "out there" so you never deal with what's in here – in your own heart. When you think about it, that's what Christian nationalism is all about. The Apostle Paul sees things differently: Philippians 4:8 Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honourable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. You can't control the whole world. But you can choose where you fix your mind. And when you set it on Christ, His peace rules your heart. So this week, don't let Screwtape win. Refuse to live in endless outrage. Rather, fill your mind with what is true and pure – and let Jesus reshape you from the inside out. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.