My dear Wormwood

A devotion from the NIV Women’s Devotional Bible, written by Beth Donigan Seversen:

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a fictitious diary of scolding letters from a mature demon (Screwtape) to his young nephew (Wormwood). It is Wormwood’s job to keep a recent convert to Christianity from being productive for Christ (the Enemy). Screwtape’s letters point out where Wormwood has failed or missed an opportunity. I have often mused that there must be a missing appendix to these letters somewhere that reads like this …


My dear Wormwood,

The following instructions shall help you proceed in handicapping your convert’s effectiveness in the Enemy’s kingdom. One of our great allies at present is her perception of herself. It is your task, therefore, to feed her poor self-esteem. Already she wastes time primping in front of the mirror and worrying about her looks.

You must continue to encourage her to compare herself with so-called “spiritual giants” whom she admires. This will eventually immobilize her. When she feels inadequate she will no longer attempt anything for the Enemy’s kingdom because of her fear of failure. Her warped self-image will lead to unhealthy relationships and hinder her ability to love others. The more often she tells herself that she is a bad person – that she’s not competent – the more easily she will feel threatened by others. This will turn others off to the Enemy and his loathsome Christianity.

Ultimately, her relationship with the Enemy himself will be adversely affected. Since she is not satisfied with how the Enemy has created her, her intimacy with Him will be destroyed and she will find it difficult to trust the Enemy, pray to Him or read that detestable Book.

Finally, emphasize her weaknesses so repeatedly that she begins to believe that she is unimportant to the Enemy. This will push her to compulsive striving to please Him through her own accomplishments. Her works will no longer be motivated by faith, but by a dislike for herself. Confuse her so that she never feels forgiven. If you successfully convince her that the Enemy is never pleased with her, she will grow weary and give up altogether. But more of this in my next letter.

Your affectionate uncle,
Screwtape