8 Bad Thoughts

Learn the names of common tempters and resist them.

Eight Bad Thoughts

"Watch Out . . . . No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humankind." -1 Corinthians 10: 12, 13

The world is full of enticements, things which appeal to us and pique our curiosity. Most of these allurements are harmless, some are beneficial; however, some things, people, and situations open us up to temptations so overwhelming that our spiritual well-being can be compromised. To protect our souls from this danger we must stay vigilant.

“The Eight Bad Thoughts” is a list of temptations that commonly trip up Christians. Compiled by a fourth-century monk, the list named the eight tempters, nursed by an unhealthy attitude of self-absorption, that typically wooed novices away from their Christian vocation.

When a tempting demon appears, jab it in the face, pray, and ask Christ for deliverance. Once the demon of Acedia is repelled, be assured-- “No other demon follows on immediately after this one but after its struggle the soul is taken over by a peaceful condition and by unspeakable joy” (Evagrius, Praktikos, ¶12).