Screwtape’s Strategy: Resisting the Temptation of Comparison

The sacrifices we make during Lent can feel more or less burdensome depending on the challenges we’re facing each year when Lent starts. Yet, the Church, in her wisdom, provides this sacred season to help us reflect on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. Through this reflection, the Church invites all the faithful to view suffering as an opportunity for redemption by uniting our struggles with Christ. In doing so, we can transform our suffering from something meaningless into a source of grace and spiritual growth. 
 
Focusing on the redemptive nature of our own suffering can be difficult if we fall into the temptation of comparison. For instance, a parent juggling work and family life may start to envy a friend with seemingly fewer responsibilities. Someone enduring chronic illness who observes others enjoying good health may resent those with better health. These thoughts are, and should be, treated as tactics from Satan for keeping us from progressing on our spiritual journey. Comparison shifts our focus away from God’s work in our own lives and tempts us to question His plan and goodness.
 
C.S. Lewis explores this exact struggle in his work The Screwtape Letters — a series of fictional letters written by Screwtape, a senior demon, to his nephew Wormwood, a novice tempter. In these letters, Screwtape advises Wormwood how to lead a human soul away from God, whom he mockingly refers to as “the Enemy.” By revealing the subtle and often unnoticed ways spiritual distractions can take root in our lives, Lewis provides wisdom that can help us resist the temptation of comparison and embrace the redemptive potential of our suffering during this holy season of Lent.
 
In Letter 12, Screwtape writes, “Do not let the patient (the human) think about his own condition in relation to the Enemy’s designs for him. Instead, focus his mind on others.” This strategy highlights how small distractions, especially through comparison, can draw us away from God. When we compare our suffering to others, we often spiral into envy, resentment, or feelings of inadequacy – none of which align with the Christian call to love and trust in God. These comparisons, though subtle, are powerful tools Satan uses to derail our focus on our unique path to holiness. Recognizing these thoughts as temptations rather than truths is the first step to overcoming them. 
 
Jesus teaches, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Each cross is a unique opportunity for sanctification. Comparing our suffering to that of others distracts us from the graces and lessons God offers us in our own circumstances. The parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-6) further illustrates this point. In the parable, God’s generosity to one person is not diminished by how He chooses to bless others. Trusting in His divine plan allows us to embrace our suffering as a path to holiness without resentment or doubt. 
 
One practical way to overcome the temptation of comparison is to cultivate gratitude and trust. St. Paul advises us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). A daily practice of gratitude shifts our perspective, helping us to recognize God’s presence and blessings even amid hardship. Trusting in God’s providence and timing also brings peace.
 
Screwtape warns in Letter 12: “The safest road to Hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” Constant comparison leads to gradual discontentment, eroding our faith over time. By focusing instead on gratitude and trust, we redirect our hearts toward God, breaking the cycle of dissatisfaction and envy. 
 
Jesus provides the ultimate example of embracing suffering without comparison. During His Passion, He accepted His cross willingly and bore it for the redemption of humanity. He did not compare His suffering to others but trusted entirely in the Father’s will.
 
By identifying the spiritual pitfalls and drawing inspiration from the wisdom of The Screwtape Letters and the example of Christ, we can equip ourselves to resist the temptation of comparison. In doing so, we embrace the unique journey of faith God has planned for each of us. This Lent, may we fix our eyes on Christ and trust that God’s redemptive power will also work in us as we prayerfully bring our sufferings to be united with Him at the Cross.

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Annie Breerwood lives in Thibodaux with her husband David, and their son, Lewis, as they joyfully await the arrival of a new baby in March. A full-time homemaker, she and her family are devoted parishioners of St. Bridget.