I finally started reading my first C.S. Lewis book – The Screwtape Letters. I’ve often wanted to read his classic works about Christianity and haven’t had the chance. I’m only a few chapters into this tale of a senior demon mentoring a junior demon and am struck with the simple deceptions used against humans.
This (just a few short pages into the book) made a huge impression on me: “It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” Wow, yes, it is the things we forget that often are our downfall. It is God’s truths kept from our minds or replaced with deliberate lies that take us down the wrong path.
How many lies have we believed in this life?
- I’m ugly, stupid, no one could love me.
- I’m afraid of _____.
- This will never work.
- I could never do ______.
- I will just get sick like everyone else.
Several years back, I started keeping a notebook with two columns in it. The first column listed the lies and the second column listed God’s truths and what he desires for my life. The second column to the above lies looks something like this:
- I am a beautiful, intelligent child of God loved by God and by my husband and family.
- There is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear. (rough paraphrase of 1 John 4:18)
- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
- I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. (rough paraphrase of Philippians 4:13)
- I am healthy and strong and my body works the way God intends.
Reading The Screwtape Letters reminds me that when the enemy is keeping the good, right, honest, and true thoughts from our heads, we must bring God’s truths back into the equation.
What truths do you believe are kept from your mind?
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