How to recognize the subtle attacks of the devil

[RevertAlan]

What does the catholic church teach about how to recognize the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to cause us to remain open to his temptation to sin. In my example, I broke up with my girlfriend because it had become too much of an occasion of sin, and I realized she wasn’t even interested in chastity and abiding by the God’s wisdom in this area of living. After a week went by, I thought I had a responsibility to write a letter to be obviously clear on my intentions for chastity and if she didn’t agree then we weren’t a good match. From the beginning of our dating experience, I said I wanted to date the ‘right’ way, even if I didn’t really know how to do this or know many with the experience.

I mentioned writing this letter to a very strong Protestant woman, who is very knowledgeable of the bible. She said that I was pleasing man by writing the letter and not aware of the deceptive influence of the devil that wants me to prolong a sinful relationship. She said once God was clear with me that this relationship was over, and it was confirmed by other wise counsel, then I should have not had additional contact with this woman as it only provides an opening for temptation and the devil getting me away from God.

I sense there may be great truth in what she said, though I don’t know of Catholics that have this understanding. I would like to know if there is Catholic teaching on recognizing the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to keep us from living the life God wants us to live.

 

[illmatic]

Threads like this really annoy me. If you’re going about life looking for these ‘subtle attacks’, you’ll find them and it’ll change the dynamic of your life. Life a Christ-centered life, not a devil-avoiding one. I believe there is a difference.

 

[Shin]

‘For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.’

Ephesians 6:12

‘You see then that the gift of discretion is no earthly thing and no slight matter, but the greatest prize of divine grace. And unless a monk has pursued it with all zeal, and secured a power of discerning with unerring judgment the spirits that rise up in him, he is sure to go wrong, as if in the darkness of night and dense blackness, and not merely to fall down dangerous pits and precipices, but also to make frequent mistakes in matters that are plain and straightforward.’

St. Moses the Black Hermit

There are some good sermons below on ‘dating’ and purity on Audio Sancto. I highly suggest you try them.

 

[Sirach2]

Last night, one of the best teachings I’ve heard in awhile came from Dr. Charles Stanley, who stated verbatim, “If you are unmarried, and someone wants to take you to bed, it is non-negotiable. Period, end of story, NON-negotiable!”
Here are the excerpts (week January 2): intouch.org/resources/life-principles-notes

Examples he cited were from the book of Daniel, reminding us that Daniel was firm in his conviction to live according to Mosaic Law, which forbade the eating of foods sacrificed to idols, no matter what the consequence of that decision brought him as he faced suffering for his principles.

He remarked that Daniel was protected by God, and lived 70 more years and influenced four kings who reigned during his lifetime. Had he given in, thinking that everybody else was doing it, his witness for God could never have been so powerful, nor be included in the Bible.

Praise God for keeping you chaste. Maybe some day your friend will appreciate your convictions that you witnessed to her. Be careful of resuming a dating relationship unless she totally respects your principles. You are right, that this is an “occasion” of sin, especially when she opposes your beliefs.

 

[Mojoforyeshua]

The best book I know of on this subject is “Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis and I don’t know of many people who would disagree with me on that. But as another poster said, a Christ centered life is more beneficial than a life spent trying to dodge the devil because he may be chasing you right into a trap. That being said, read The Screwtape Letters and your understanding of spiritual warfare will explode and you will be able to see past many of Satan’s tactics.
Shalom,
John

 

[Bob_Crowley]

What does the catholic church teach about how to recognize the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to cause us to remain open to his temptation to sin. In my example, I broke up with my girlfriend because it had become too much of an occasion of sin, and I realized she wasn’t even interested in chastity and abiding by the God’s wisdom in this area of living. After a week went by, I thought I had a responsibility to write a letter to be obviously clear on my intentions for chastity and if she didn’t agree then we weren’t a good match. From the beginning of our dating experience, I said I wanted to date the ‘right’ way, even if I didn’t really know how to do this or know many with the experience.

I mentioned writing this letter to a very strong Protestant woman, who is very knowledgeable of the bible. She said that I was pleasing man by writing the letter and not aware of the deceptive influence of the devil that wants me to prolong a sinful relationship. She said once God was clear with me that this relationship was over, and it was confirmed by other wise counsel, then I should have not had additional contact with this woman as it only provides an opening for temptation and the devil getting me away from God.

I sense there may be great truth in what she said, though I don’t know of Catholics that have this understanding. I would like to know if there is Catholic teaching on recognizing the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to keep us from living the life God wants us to live.

The protestant lady was right, and once the relationship was finished, the best thing you could do was to make a clean break, with no further contact. “Let your ‘yes’ be yes; let your ‘no’ be no; anything else comes from the evil one.”

As for recognising the tricks of the devil, you’ll often only find those out with hindsight a lot of the time. Stick close to Christ and they’ll have less effect, but he’ll still try to deceive you. And the chances are that from time to time you’ll get caught.

The first “Pope”, Peter, had just declared Christ the Messiah, and received the commendation of Christ. In the next breath, he was being accused of harbouring the devil’s thoughts. And he walked and talked with Christ on a daily basis. If Peter got caught, there’s no guarantee you won’t be tricked from time to time.

I’ve had what might be called a certain number of spiritual experiences. Some have been clearly demonic, some from God, and some were uncertain. When I asked my old pastor how do you know immediately if a certain spiritual prompting is from God or the devil, the short answer he gave me was “You don’t”.

Even he was getting sidetracked at one stage. He was saying to me that I’d do this and that and something else (all immoral actions or leading to immoral actions) when he suddenly stopped with a quizzical look on his face and said, “Hang on! I think the devil’s telling me all this.” He was being given false prophecies. And I knew from experience just how accurate he usually was, so most of the time his thoughts were informed by the Holy Spirit directly.

As he said the short answer is that there is no immediate way to discerrn. So you need to be patient and get other counsel before doing anything. You did the right thing for example by asking another wise and experienced Christian for her opinion before you rushed out and wrote the letter.

I think there are 3 main guidelines to work towards an answr - prayer, Scripture and other experienced Christians.

 

[on_eagles_wingz]

What does the catholic church teach about how to recognize the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to cause us to remain open to his temptation to sin. In my example, I broke up with my girlfriend because it had become too much of an occasion of sin, and I realized she wasn’t even interested in chastity and abiding by the God’s wisdom in this area of living. After a week went by, I thought I had a responsibility to write a letter to be obviously clear on my intentions for chastity and if she didn’t agree then we weren’t a good match. From the beginning of our dating experience, I said I wanted to date the ‘right’ way, even if I didn’t really know how to do this or know many with the experience.

I mentioned writing this letter to a very strong Protestant woman, who is very knowledgeable of the bible. She said that I was pleasing man by writing the letter and not aware of the deceptive influence of the devil that wants me to prolong a sinful relationship. She said once God was clear with me that this relationship was over, and it was confirmed by other wise counsel, then I should have not had additional contact with this woman as it only provides an opening for temptation and the devil getting me away from God.

I sense there may be great truth in what she said, though I don’t know of Catholics that have this understanding. I would like to know if there is Catholic teaching on recognizing the subtle and deceptive attacks of the devil to keep us from living the life God wants us to live.

Its really very simple. If she does not want to honor your vow of chastity then you must either renounce your vow to be with her or keep looking. The protestant woman is correct in that she means that your letter is an attempt to salvage that which cannot be salvaged mainly to give it one last chance before letting her go. That is perfectly understandable. You guys were close so its going to be hard to let go.

The part about subtle attacks from the devil is just plain old temptation, nothing more. When Jesus explained to the disciples that he must suffer and be killed in Jerusalem, Peter said, “Never Lord! This shall not happen to you!” Then Jesus replied to him. “get behind me satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23) This demonstrates how we often put aside what we know is God’s will in order to satisfy our own heart’s desires. It is the devil, but it is nothing out of the ordinary that we need to take extra precautions for. The best defense would be to read and know the Bible, or at least the Gospel so that you will have a good understanding of how God wants us to live.

 

[RevertAlan]

thanks to all who replied. I do agree that remaining focused on Jesus is the right thing to do, however I thought I was then was told I fell prey to the deceit of the devil.

still on my pilgrimage and journey, however I know the answers and wisdom are available I just need to keep praying, reading the bible and seeking wise counsel. It is great that Jesus did not leave us orphans.

 

[CB_Catholic]

thanks to all who replied. I do agree that remaining focused on Jesus is the right thing to do, however I thought I was then was told I fell prey to the deceit of the devil.

still on my pilgrimage and journey, however I know the answers and wisdom are available I just need to keep praying, reading the bible and seeking wise counsel. It is great that Jesus did not leave us orphans.

And don’t be too hard on yourself, because all of us are still trying to figure it out and occasionally miss the mark. That is just life. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes.

Pray to the Holy Spirit for the gift of discernment. He will be glad to give it to you to help you.