The Consequences of the Evil One’s Illusions (Part 2)

In an article, we explored the subtle strategy of temptation employed by the evil one, as revealed in Genesis 3. This strategy unfolds through four stages: breaking boundaries, introducing an external element, affecting convictions, and causing individuals to forget their true identity. Now, let us examine the consequences of these illusions, which lead to a distorted self-image and ripple effects that draw others into sin.

An illusion, in this context, is the devil’s tactic of presenting something different from what it truly is, making us feel we lack something essential and enticing us to crave it. This deception leads us to justify disobeying God’s commands. We pursue what we believe we need. Ultimately, this distorts our God-given identity and purpose.

Distortion of Identity and cycle of Temptation

The narrative of Genesis 3 illustrates not only the fall of Adam and Eve. It also shows a pattern of the cycle of temptation. This cycle perpetuates sin. The evil one employs a four-stage strategy: breaking boundaries (Mat). Then, an external element is introduced (Lot). Convictions are affected (Boat). Finally, a distorted identity is caused (Pot). When a person reaches the fourth stage, the Pot level, they no longer sin simply because of temptation. Instead, sin becomes a natural and routine part of their life. It is rooted in a false identity detached from their God-given dignity. At this stage, individuals like Eve shared the forbidden fruit with Adam (Gen 3:6). They may draw others into similar sinful behaviors. This perpetuates a destructive cycle. For example, someone entrenched in sins like pride, jealousy, or lust is at the Pot level. They might influence a Mat-level person. Spiritual boundaries are just beginning to waver at this level. By introducing tempting ideas or actions, they move the Mat-level person to the Lot level. At the Lot level, external influences begin to challenge their convictions. Maintaining strong spiritual boundaries through reflection, prayer, and guidance is crucial to breaking this cycle and resisting the evil one’s tactics.

As the cycle progresses, the person at the Lot level is exposed to contrary ideas. They may move to the Boat level, where false convictions solidify. Their moral compass drifts, much like Jonah fleeing his mission (Jonah 1). Without repentance or intervention, they risk reaching the Pot level. They live in sin with a distorted self-image, as seen in Eli’s sons. Eli’s sons led others astray through their corrupt actions (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-25). At this stage, they may become instruments of the evil one, tempting others at the Mat level, and the cycle repeats.

Example 1: Pride in a Consecrated Person

Weakness: Prideful thoughts (believing they are more spiritually accomplished than others in their community).

Breaking Boundaries, Neglecting Details, and Losing Freedom (Mat)
A consecrated person, such as a religious brother, begins to entertain thoughts that their spiritual practices or ministry work are superior to others in their community. They justify these thoughts as “confidence in my vocation,” breaking the boundary of humility. They neglect examining these thoughts during daily prayer, thinking they’re harmless. Over time, they lose freedom, becoming attached to the need to feel more accomplished, feeling restless if their efforts aren’t recognized.
Example: They think, “My retreats are more impactful than Brother Y’s; I’m more attuned to God.” They skip reflecting on these thoughts, rationalizing, “It’s not a sin to know my strengths.” They feel uneasy without affirming their superiority.
Introduction of an External Element (Lot)
A new community member praises their zeal, saying, “You’re an inspiration to us all!” This external element (the new member) feels affirming, reinforcing their prideful thoughts and suggesting their perceived superiority is valid. They seek this member’s approval, becoming emotionally dependent on their praise.
Example: The new member’s comment, “Your talks change lives,” validates their pride. They spend more time with this person, craving further affirmation.
Affected Convictions and Loss of Sense of Sin (Boat)
Influenced by the praise, their convictions shift. They see their prideful thoughts as justified, believing they’re acknowledging their gifts. They no longer view comparing themselves to others as pride but as “self-awareness.” They stop discussing these thoughts with their spiritual director, thinking they’re not serious. Their sense of sin fades, and they rationalize their behavior as acceptable.
Example: They think, “It’s fine to know I’m more effective; it motivates me.” They avoid mentioning these thoughts in spiritual direction, believing, “This isn’t a real issue.”
Forgetting Identity and Developing a Distorted Self-Image (Pot)
They forget their identity as a humble servant of God, called to live in equal dignity with their community. They develop either:

Inflated Self-Image: They believe they’re the community’s spiritual leader, dismissing humility as unnecessary. They view others as inferior. For example: Without a specific prompt, they boast at a community meeting, “My retreats draw the most people,” encouraging younger members to prioritize recognition over humility, leading them to adopt similar prideful attitudes.
Example: Without a specific prompt, they boast at a community meeting, “My retreats draw the most people,” encouraging younger members to prioritize recognition over humility, leading them to adopt similar prideful attitudes.
Example
Defeated Self-Image: If corrected, they fixate on their pride, feeling unworthy and despairing, “I’m a fraud.”
Without a specific temptation, they act on this distorted self-image by openly boasting about their contributions or subtly belittling others’ efforts, drawing others into the same prideful behavior.
Example: After correction, they withdraw, lamenting to peers, “I’m a failure; I’ll never live up to this life,” prompting others to doubt their own vocations.

Example 2: Jealousy in a College Student

Weakness: Jealous thoughts (resenting a peer’s academic or social success).

Breaking Boundaries, Neglecting Details, and Losing Freedom (Mat)
A college student feels jealous of a peer who excels academically and is popular. They entertain thoughts like, “Why do they get all the praise? I’m just as capable.” They justify these as “just frustration,” breaking the boundary of gratitude. They neglect reflecting on these feelings, thinking they’re not serious. Over time, they lose freedom, becoming fixated on comparing themselves, feeling restless if they can’t prove they’re as successful.
Example: They think, “They don’t deserve those grades or friends; I work harder.” They stop examining their attitude, rationalizing, “It’s normal to feel this way.” They feel uneasy unless dwelling on their peer’s advantages.
Introduction of an External Element (Lot)
A classmate notices their frustration and says, “You’re right; they probably get ahead because of favoritism.” This external element (the classmate) seems supportive, reinforcing their jealous thoughts and suggesting their peer’s success is unearned. They rely on the classmate’s comments, becoming dependent on this validation.
Example: The classmate’s remark, “They’re not better than you; they have connections,” fuels their jealousy. They seek out this classmate to vent, craving agreement.
Affected Convictions and Loss of Sense of Sin (Boat)
Influenced by the classmate, their convictions shift. They believe their jealousy is justified, seeing their peer’s success as unfair. They no longer view resentment as wrong but as a response to “injustice.” They stop seeking advice from mentors, thinking their feelings don’t need addressing. Their sense of sin fades, and they rationalize jealousy as normal.
Example: They think, “It’s okay to resent them; they don’t deserve it.” They avoid discussing feelings with a counselor, believing, “This isn’t a problem.”
Forgetting Identity and Developing a Distorted Self-Image (Pot)
They forget their identity as a unique individual with their own gifts, meant to grow without comparison. They develop either:

Inflated Self-Image: They believe they’re inherently better, dismissing their peer’s success as fake. They see themselves as the “real talent.”
Example (Inflated): Without a trigger, they tell classmates, “Their grades are just teacher bias,” spreading jealousy among peers who begin resenting the successful student.
Defeated Self-Image: If they underperform, they fixate on their inferiority, thinking, “I’ll never be as good,” leading to despair.
Without a specific temptation, they act on this distorted self-image by gossiping about their peer or undermining their achievements, drawing others into the same jealous behavior.
Example (Defeated): After a poor grade, they complain to friends, “I’ll never be as good as them,” encouraging others to feel inadequate and envious.

Example 3: Lust in a Young Person

Weakness: Lustful thoughts (struggling with inappropriate sexual desires or fantasies).

Breaking Boundaries, Neglecting Details, and Losing Freedom (Mat)
A young person entertains lustful thoughts, such as fantasizing about someone they find attractive. They justify these as “natural urges,” breaking the boundary of purity. They neglect addressing these thoughts through prayer or accountability, thinking they’re harmless if unacted upon. Over time, they lose freedom, becoming attached to these thoughts, feeling restless without indulging them.
Example: They think, “It’s just a fantasy; I’m not hurting anyone.” They stop reflecting on these thoughts in prayer, rationalizing, “It’s not a sin if it’s in my head.” They feel compelled to indulge to feel satisfied.
Introduction of an External Element (Lot)
A friend or social media influence normalizes lust, saying, “Everyone thinks like that; it’s normal to explore your desires.” This external element (friend or media) seems accepting, reinforcing their thoughts and suggesting lust is natural. They seek out this friend or content, becoming dependent on its validation.
Example: A friend says, “It’s fine to fantasize; it’s how we’re wired.” They spend more time with this friend or on apps promoting such content, craving reinforcement.
Affected Convictions and Loss of Sense of Sin (Boat)
Influenced by the friend or media, their convictions shift. They see lustful thoughts as harmless, believing they’re “exploring their feelings.” They no longer view these thoughts as sinful but as a natural expression. They stop seeking guidance from a pastor, thinking it’s not serious. Their sense of sin fades, and they rationalize lust as normal.
Example: They think, “It’s okay to think this way; it’s human nature.” They avoid discussing it in confession, believing, “This isn’t a big deal.”
Forgetting Identity and Developing a Distorted Self-Image (Pot)
They forget their identity as a person called to purity and dignity, created in God’s image. They develop either:

Inflated Self-Image: They believe they’re entitled to indulge their desires, dismissing purity as outdated. They view those who practice restraint as “repressed.”
Example: Without a trigger, they share inappropriate content with friends, saying, “This is just normal stuff,” encouraging peers to indulge in lustful thoughts or actions
Defeated Self-Image: If confronted, they fixate on their struggle, feeling unworthy and despairing, “I’m too weak to live purely.”
Without a specific temptation, they act on this distorted self-image by engaging in or promoting lustful behavior, drawing others into the same problem.
Example: After a confrontation, they confide in friends, “I can’t stop these thoughts; I’m hopeless,” prompting others to normalize or give in to similar struggles.

Checking Boundaries as an Effective Way to start Identity Restoration

The narrative of Genesis 3 reveals a cyclical pattern of temptation. This pattern perpetuates sin through the evil one’s four-stage strategy. It includes breaking boundaries (Mat), introducing external elements (Lot), affecting convictions (Boat), and distorting identity (Pot). However, there is hope. By recognizing this strategy and strengthening boundaries, individuals can begin a journey of reclaiming their true identity.

Jesus exemplified resistance to this cycle through spiritual fencing, vigilantly guarding His thoughts against temptation.

In the wilderness, Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days. He resisted Satan’s temptations (Lk 4:1-13). The devil did not relent. He departed only to return at an “opportune time” (Lk 4:13). Later, when Jesus spoke of His suffering and death, the devil seized an opportunity through Peter’s well-meaning words, “This shall never happen to You!” (Mt 16:22). The evil one always attempts to direct their attacks to our vulnerable to weakest positions. Though Son of God, as a human being Jesus faced fear and pain. He was greatly troubled by the prospect of crucifixion. We can clearly notice that in Gethsemane, when he prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Yet, He said, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Mt 26:39). So as soon as Jesus spoke about his suffering and death devil saw it as an opportunity. But Jesus recognized the devil’s tactic through the apparent care and concern and responded, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Mt 16:23). Jesus refused even to entertain a conversation that might break his boundaries in thoughts. However, this demonstrates the devil’s cunningness, using even the care of a close friend to breach spiritual boundaries.

Jesus’ example shows that spiritual fencing is vital. This involves controlling one’s thoughts rather than being controlled by them. It is crucial at every stage of spiritual development. This is true even at the unitive level of closeness to God. The devil never ceases to target thoughts, seeking to plant seeds that can lead to distorted identity and spiritual downfall. For instance, a person may fall after a retreat. Their thoughts might have been influenced during a moment of weakness. This can happen by entertaining a seemingly harmless conversation that plants harmful ideas.

Without spiritual fencing, these breaches can progress through the stages. They can push someone from the Mat level, where boundaries waver. Then they move to the Pot level, where sin becomes routine. By staying rooted in prayer, individuals can halt this progression at the Mat level. They can seek guidance and reinforce spiritual boundaries to avoid the downward spiral. This vigilance is particularly crucial in consecrated life, where living out one’s vocation with fidelity requires constant awareness. Jesus’ resistance shows that by guarding thoughts, we can maintain our God-given identity. By refusing to let external influences take root, we break the cycle of temptation. This ensures we do not slip back to where we started.

Conclusion

The consequences of the evil one’s illusions are profound. They lead individuals to act on distorted identities. These illusions perpetuate sin without specific temptation and draw others into the same behaviors. Yet, through Christ’s redemptive work, there is hope. We can reclaim our identity as children of God by recognizing these patterns early. We achieve this through reflection, prayer, and guidance. We can resist the illusions that seek to lead us and others astray.