Do Devils Die?
We are all chased by devils - pride, self-gratification, greed, righteousness, insecurity, and addiction, to name a few.
Those battling addiction know the devils of denial, rationalization, and dishonesty all too well. Each of us dances with our own devils. You know that.
Some people seem to defeat their devils - to rise above somehow. But do these devils truly perish, or do they simply hide, waiting for the right moment to pounce?
The question matters because the answer shapes how we live.
I’ve come to understand that devils are invincible. They can be locked up, kept at bay - but never completely destroyed. They lurk, ready to reappear, waiting for an opening. That’s how devils operate, and we’re wise to be honest about it.
Here’s the crazy part: lurking devils don’t have to be a dark or negative reality. Quite the opposite. They can give us resolve and motivation - to keep them locked up and to live in the light, no matter what it takes.
So, what vanquishes devils? What keeps them locked away?
1. Start with starvation. Don’t feed them with attention or small wins. Like animals, devils stop begging when they’re never fed. Eventually, they go searching for easier targets.
2. Lifestyle habits. We talk a lot here about deliberately forming positive daily habits - the power of momentum and mental muscle memory to move us toward our best selves. Make living in the light of good habits a way of life.
Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). See Toolkit for Success for real-world, doable action steps.
3. Team. Yet another devil works to isolate you, making you an easier target - like wolves separating a lamb for the kill. Don’t let it happen. Keep a strong pack around you.
Take the risk of rejection and do the work of connecting. Join a small group, open up to someone, reach out, go to meetings. Support others so they can support you.
4. Time. The longer devils stay locked away, the weaker they become. Count each day with them at bay as a victory - one that strengthens you and weakens temptation.
Let those daily wins fuel your energy and confidence to stay the course.
You don’t need to kill your devils to defeat them. Outsmart them by doing what it takes to live in the light of your best self. Stay busy with constructive action to minimize their opportunities.
It can be done - and you can do it.
With love and support,
Craig
Craig A. Williamson
Lesson from Addiction
lessonsfromaddiction.net
📖 Read my book, Regarding Substance Abuse & Addiction, where I share real-world insights from firsthand experience - losing my only son to addiction.
