Sometimes I feel like a cartoon character with an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other. Which one will rule the day? The answer should be easy.
However, that devil on my shoulder persists in taunting me. Try as I do to swat it away, it keeps coming back. Why? Because the battle between good and evil is an ongoing part of the human experience.
In other words, temptations are a pain in the neck! Within those temptations is the devil’s effort to lead us away from God. As we celebrate Easter, don’t we feel relief that Lent is over? Beware: Behind that relief could be the temptation to let our guard down.
Seven Pieces of Armor
Our Lenten journey of 40 days is meant to deepen our relationship with God, while strengthening our resolve, discipline, and vigilance against sin. How quickly does our strength wane as our lives go back to “normal”? God knows we are up against choices and challenges that test our will and commitment to our faith.
Therefore, Our Lord gives us seven pieces of armor for protection. That armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit (Word of God), and prayer [Ephesians 6:14–18]. “Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil” [Ephesians 6:11].
Wearing God’s armor is not a passive act. We are saying yes to God as He calls us to live our faith and partake in His divine nature for the sake of our salvation. As St. Augustine once wrote: “God created us without us: but He did not will to save us without us” [CCC 1847].
However, the weight of God’s armor seems burdensome at times. The constant vigilance, discipline, and the willingness to face our weaknesses and shortcomings require an ongoing commitment. Perhaps it is not God’s armor that’s heavy, but rather resistance to it.
Meanwhile, that devil on my shoulder does everything it can to knock me off balance. Although I stumble, the good Lord and His angels help me back up each time. In God’s armor there is strength to persevere and the grace to overcome the challenges that test our resolve. What’s more, as we recognize Divine Providence working in our lives, we realize as our Lord said: “My yoke is easy, and my burden light” [Matthew 11:30].
Divine Mercy
The devil longs for my despair as it does for everyone. Let us not give the devil that satisfaction or that power over our lives. Instead, let us contemplate Our Lord’s divine mercy.
Remember after Jesus was arrested, Peter (upon this Rock Christ would build His church) denied three times of even knowing Jesus. Realizing what he had done, Peter wept bitterly, but despair did not overtake his faith in God. With divine mercy, the Lord forgave Peter.
With Christ in our lives, there is forgiveness and the opportunity to start anew. By His Cross and Resurrection, He has set us free! Therefore, let us be open to the Lord’s merciful love to define who we are, how we live each day, and how we treat one another.
While the devil may be on my shoulder, it is not in my heart. It does not define who I am, nor should we allow it to define any of us. Instead, it is a reminder of how much I need the Lord and his loving mercy in my daily life. Let it be so!
2 thoughts on “Devil on My Shoulder”
This was a really insightful read! It’s comforting to know others struggle with temptation too. The reminder to not let temptation define us and to seek God’s mercy is spot on. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for an excellent article. It is edifying to read of how others deal with temptation and Satan’s evil efforts. Perhaps that is why Saint Peter exhorted remaining mindful of how fellow Christians suffer likewise (1 Pet., Ch. 5). How important, indeed, to not allow temptations to define who we are but rather prompt us to call on Jesus and His mercy.