In 1942 there was a book written by C. S. Lewis called, “The Screwtape Letters.” It’s a book that takes the form of letters from a Sr. demon named Screwtape, to his nephew and Jr. tempter, named Wormwood. Wormwood is being mentored by his uncle and is responsible for securing the damnation of a particular person. Check this out to see if we can glean some wisdom as we navigate a political storm.

My dear Wormwood,

Be sure that the person remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serves as an excellent distraction. It distracts them from advancing in any personal virtue, character, or things the person can actually control. Make sure to keep the person in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards much of the human race in order to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing. Also, make sure the person continues to believe the problem is “out there” in the ‘broken system” rather than recognizing there is any kind of problem with himself.

Keep up the good work,

Uncle Screwtape

Our prayer today is that we may each claim Philippians 4:4-8 instead; that the truth of God’s Word will help us fight off the wicked schemes of the devil.