Discernment for Dummies

Hey guys, Bettwy had a good idea that I put some of the stuff I have been learning from "The Screwtape Letters" on here. Here is some of my favorite parts so far.

Chapter 6 is the one that I have related to most. It has two main things. The concept of time, and how God desires us to use time, along with our inward and outward focus throughout the day.

Time.
Screwtape begins the letter by stating the subject (human) is in the dark on whether or not he will be called into military service. He then states "we wand him to be in maximum uncertainty, so that his mind will be filled with contradictory pictures of the future, every one of which arouses hope or fear." Basically the devils want this man to keep focusing on what is before him in the unknown. Screwtape then says that what God really wants for this man is to patiently 'bear his cross' which would be to accept the fact that he is nervous and scared, but will plow on regardless. Screwtape wants him going in circles about what could happen instead of just accepting his present fear as his burden.

I think this is a thing we can all relate to. I have tried to catch myself during the day, and have found more opportunities than I would like to practice at this.

inward vs outward focus.
This took me a little to understand. Screwtape states: "in all activities of the mind which favor our cause, encourage the patient to be un-selfconscious and to concentrate on the object, but in all activities favorable to the enemy bend his mind back on itself."
For example, if we see a pretty woman, we are to focus outward on her (this is what the devil would have us do) and our lust goes on inside us, largely unnoticed to most people. But what we need to do is look inside in that moment, and repent.

the inverse is true of good things. when we see a sunset, or are enjoying a good meal, we might internalize and try to think of ways we can enjoy this pleasure more often... which is bad. we should just externalize and focus on being with God in that moment, enjoying the gift He has set before us.

thats it for now.

-w