My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.
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SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND SUFFERING (Part II)
By Dr. Harry Bousalis
Saint Silouan likewise writes, "Just as people go in and out of a house, so may thoughts proceeding from devils come and go again, if you do not accept them." The same idea is expressed by another contemporary spiritual elder (geronda) of Mount Athos, Elder (Saint) Paisios. He used to liken logismoi (evil thoughts) to airplanes that are flying by overhead in the air. If you don't give them any attention, they just keep passing by, but he said we must be careful not to build an airport in our hearts so that they can land and take residence within us. That's a nice little analogy.
The trickery and deception of the enemy must never be underestimated. He is most clever in his never-ending attempt to sugar-coat the initial encounter of a logismos (evil thought), presenting it as something harmless or even maybe productive and beneficial. These thoughts or imaginations can even appear at first: maybe they're fresh spiritual insight that shines on the truth about someone, or on someone's words or actions, or someone's lack of words or actions to me.
By entertaining these evil logismoi (thoughts) and allowing them to grow and progress, we expose ourselves to a host of disastrous consequences that will lead to sin and separation from God. One of the goals of spiritual life entails that we have to be attentive and we have to learn to be watchful to these logismoi (evil thoughts) that are coming into our hearts and into our minds, to catch that logismos (evil thought) before it develops and becomes too difficult to control, because if we're heedless, we find ourselves responding to these demonic suggestions, and this culminates not only in our enslavement to them, but also in our identifying with them. Not only do we entertain logismoi (evil thoughts), but we can be influenced by them. Thus, we easily become seduced, and slowly we find ourselves under their thought-control.
One of the more crucial components of our spiritual life is proper training in the development of good spiritual habits. Habit is second nature, and this is why it's imperative that we learn to train ourselves in the ways of spiritual warfare. Saint Silouan says:
"Train yourself to cut off an intrusive thought immediately. Be at pains over this, so that you acquire the habit. The soul is a creature of habit, according to the habit you have acquired so will you act all the rest of your life."
It is very clear, all over our Tradition, and this is why also our Orthodox Christian spiritual tradition emphasizes the important role of the spiritual father within the life of the Orthodox Christian. Especially for those who want to cultivate the fullness of their life in Christ, one's relationship with a spiritual father is more significant, because without confession and the blessings of obedience to one's spiritual father, there is little or no hope of overcoming the constant and the life-long bombardment of the spiritual struggle, because many have been deluded, including those who have made considerable progress. Even monks on Mt. Athos become deluded.
Without a spiritual father, the believer leaves himself open to a multitude of dangers resulting from the devious deceptions of the enemy (Satan). He could be compared to a soldier at war, running off into battle without the insight of a seasoned superior officer. Or how about a promising young athlete who thinks he can go compete in the Olympic games based on his raw talent and athleticism without the aid of an experienced trainer or coach? The surest way to guard against the delusion of such logismoi (evil thoughts) is to seek the counsel of one's spiritual father. In this respect, the relationship with one's spiritual father or one's local parish priest cannot be overemphasized, for to him is given the grace of guidance and discernment. A special grace of ordination from the Holy Spirit comes upon that man to lead us.
The battle against logismoi (evil thoughts) rages on, and in this continuous struggle, victories are followed by defeat, and there is a positive experience in prayer that are going to be accompanied by spiritual stumbling. It is an up-and-down struggle. In this intense and ongoing battle, we must remain steadfast in order to resist the enemy and evade his attacks.
One final point before concluding, and then maybe we can have some discussion together for a bit. This is very relevant for today. This is the special emphasis that Saint Silouan places on the theme of depression and despair within the spiritual struggle. Interestingly enough, he is warning against the danger of depression and despair. He is writing in the 1930s. Going back to what was said: what would it be like today? As Orthodox Christian believer, we have to be fully aware of the many dangers that await us as we progress by God's grace in our spiritual lives, because, according to Our Orthodox Christian teaching, the dangers of depression and despair are among the most fatal.
"...The world in its fallen state has become dysfunctional, and this is apparent both within society at large and within the basic unit of society, the family, as well as within each and every human person. Dysfunction rules the world. Sin and suffering, separation from God, ultimately, death itself: these are now the characteristic marks of fallen humanity. Separation from God not only leads to suffering; it is seen as sin itself. Sin is not simply a legal transgression of Divine Commandments that is set for by a vengeful judge who waits to chastise those who break his rules or to reward those who follow his rules. Rather, sin is that which separates man from God.
"...I love this quote from Saint John Climacus. He says, "a proud man needs no demon. He has become one unto himself." The devil doesn't even have to mess with that guy; he's already gone.
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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostomos
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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+Father George