Guarding Against the Little Things: Insights from “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis

Hey there, Spark of Faith Family!

I read a book with my women’s group a few months ago that I think you’ll find really helpful for your faith journey. It’s called “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. Even though it’s not in the Bible, it’s full of powerful insights that can really help us understand our spiritual walk.

What is “The Screwtape Letters” About?

This book is a collection of fictional letters from a senior demon named Screwtape to his younger nephew, Wormwood. In these letters, Screwtape teaches Wormwood how to tempt a human, or as he calls them, “the patient.” It’s a fascinating read that really makes you think about how we might be tempted away from God without even realizing it!

 

Small Sins, Big Impact

One of the biggest lessons from this book is about the danger of “small sins” and little distractions. Screwtape tells Wormwood to use everyday, harmless-looking distractions to keep the patient away from prayer, Bible study, and doing good deeds. It made me think, how often do we let small things pull us away from God? Are there little distractions in our lives that keep us from growing closer to Him?

 

Staying Alert

This idea of being aware of the little things that can distract us is similar to what the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” It’s like a reminder to always be watchful and pay attention to how the enemy might try to lead us astray. What are some ways you can stay focused on your faith and not let those small distractions take over?

 

Reflect and Apply

So, how can we take this lesson and use it in our own lives? Let’s take a look at our daily routines. Are there “small sins” or distractions that might be pulling us away from God? Maybe it’s spending too much time scrolling on our phones or putting off reading the Bible. What are some little changes you can make to keep your focus on God?

Here’s a personal example: Very often I notice that my time on social media eats up hours that I could spend in prayer or reading the Bible. Does this happen to you? So, every time I notice that social media has been distracting me from keeping my devotion time with God, I cut back on my screen time. This small change really brings me closer to God and makes my faith a bigger part of my daily routine again.

Can you think of any small distractions that you might need to cut back on? How can you adjust your routine to make more room for God?

 

Staying Committed to Our Faith Journey

“The Screwtape Letters” is a reminder to be mindful of the enemy’s tricks and stay committed to our faith. By paying attention to those little things that can pull us away, we can strengthen our spiritual lives and walk more closely with God.

I encourage you to grab a copy of this classic and see what it teaches you about guarding your heart and mind. Let’s stay strong in our faith and live out our love for God every day!

 

Stay blessed and keep shining bright!

Gabby | Gabi 💜