Why do our “trough periods” make us so vulnerable? Is this applicable to you?
"Trough periods" are dangerous because we lack the vigor to resist temptation, therefore being more likely to give in to evil and turn our backs on God (43). This is very applicable to me. When I feel energized and "on fire for God," I feel more motivated to do what's pleasing to Him. Generally, I'm more patient with family members and accomplish necessary tasks more quickly and with a better attitude. However, when I'm feeling down and tired, I lack discipline. I get more easily annoyed with family and do things with a half-hearted or bad attitude.
What beautiful truth about pleasure does Screwtape share? Make a list of pleasures.
Pleasures are made by God alone. However, those pleasures can be twisted and used as a means to disobey and displease God (44).
1. Food-God has blessed me with sustenance that can also be a source of creativity and enjoyment. However, food can become an addiction that will harm my body, which is a "temple of God."
2. Music- Music, whether lyrical or instrumental, can communicate deep messages. Those messages can be positive or negative, and it is up to me to decide what type of music I will let into my mind.
3. The Internet- God has provided humans with the knowledge to invent and use the Internet. It can be a really helpful tool for finding information, communicating, and viewing random things for enjoyment. However, people can post almost anything on the Internet, so I have to be careful about what I see. Even if I accidentally encounter something inappropriate, I must have the discipline to either report it or leave the site.
What are your thoughts regarding “parallel lives”? What does this mean to you?
I think that the concept of acting differently in different situations and with different people is a very common struggle. It is a problem that I have been trying to overcome for a long time. After my youth pastor talked about "being genuine" and "living one life," I knew that I had a problem with acting differently in different situations. After some thought, I concluded that it's not always a bad thing to act differently during certain situations. For example, I obviously shouldn't be addressing a superior or more respected person in the same way that I would address friends and family. However, living "parallel lives" does get dangerous if I am compromising my standards in one situation, yet acting "proper and good" in the other situation. I have to continually make sure that I'm not living a compromising "parallel life." I realize that living a half-good, half-bad type of life is even more dangerous than living an all-out bad one.
What are your thoughts on music and joy after reading this chapter?
It makes a lot of sense that music and joy are interrelated and that the demons hate both (53-54). True joy only comes from God. It exists despite trying circumstances because God is always there to provide it. Music, when not being twisted to lead people down dark paths, can be a great source of worship and glory to God. That connection and reverence to God is something that those who don't have a right relationship with God can never quite understand.
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