The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

The idea of the devil’s influence in our lives often feels like a distant, almost archaic concept. For many, evil is something obvious—reserved for those who have blatantly “sold their souls” or committed heinous acts. The rest of us, it seems, are safe from Satan’s schemes. But is that really the case?

C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters offers a profound reminder that evil isn’t always loud or dramatic. Instead, it often lurks in the mundane, the ordinary, and the seemingly insignificant. It’s not just about actively engaging in terrible actions; it’s also about the small choices we make—or don’t make—that can lead us astray. Skipping a moment of prayer, neglecting time in good company, or even choosing indifference over intentional goodness can be subtle steps toward where the devil wants us.

The devil doesn’t always attack in grand, obvious ways. He’s content with the small victories: the choice of friends who pull us away from faith, a superficial form of Christianity that lacks depth, or moral compromises we justify as harmless. In fact, Lewis suggests that the devil is happier for us to have a “form of godliness” than to reject faith entirely. A lukewarm faith, after all, is far more dangerous than outright rejection because it gives the illusion of safety while keeping us distant from true devotion.

One of the most striking lessons from The Screwtape Letters is that evil thrives in our ignorance of its existence. When we fail to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, we risk attributing every hardship or moral failure to God, mistrusting His goodness. Lewis masterfully illustrates that evil angels—those like Screwtape and Wormwood—are tirelessly working to distort our perception of God and pull us away from Him.

But there is hope. God is our ultimate protection. The only way to guard ourselves against the subtle deceptions of the enemy is through total surrender and constant dependence on Him. Every thought, every decision, every moment must be committed to Him. It’s not about perfection but about persistence—staying close to God, even in the smallest details of life.

In a world that often dismisses the reality of evil, The Screwtape Letters serves as a timely reminder: the devil is real, his tactics are subtle, and our only defence is to remain rooted in God. Our only true protection is complete dependence on God—surrendering our thoughts, choices, and actions to Him. A life of constant reliance on His guidance is the surest safeguard against the deceptions of Screwtape, Wormwood, and their allies. Let’s not underestimate the power of everyday choices. They matter more than we think, and in them lies the battle for our souls.