The Serpent's Head
What is the serpent's head? The first suggestion of sin. Some unlawful deed comes into your mind - throw it out, don't consent to it, stamp on the serpent's head.
But he suggests wealth: a little fraud and you'll be a rich man - tread the suggestion underfoot. But you'll make a great deal of money. Brethren, reflect - 'what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul'. Hold on to this and you will bruise the serpent's head.
Only remember, the devil is looking for your heel to strike at. How? If you move away from the path of God by cherishing the evil suggestion he wounds your heel; if you slide right away you will fall, and if you fall he's got you.
There is only one way not to fall, and that is to keep to the strait path to God; anything else is slippery. Christ is your light and your path, the true light which enlightens everyone coming into the world; and he has said, 'I am the Way, by me your journey, to me you come'. If you go away from him you are off the right road and in the dark. It is said of the wicked 'their paths are slippery and dark'.
People say ' Why is the devil so powerful in the world?' Beloved, he can do nothing he is not permitted to do. If he is allowed to tempt you, make him retire in defeat instead of making you his prisoner.
DAILY READING WITH
St Augustine --- The Heart at Rest
What is the serpent's head? The first suggestion of sin. Some unlawful deed comes into your mind - throw it out, don't consent to it, stamp on the serpent's head.
But he suggests wealth: a little fraud and you'll be a rich man - tread the suggestion underfoot. But you'll make a great deal of money. Brethren, reflect - 'what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul'. Hold on to this and you will bruise the serpent's head.
Only remember, the devil is looking for your heel to strike at. How? If you move away from the path of God by cherishing the evil suggestion he wounds your heel; if you slide right away you will fall, and if you fall he's got you.
There is only one way not to fall, and that is to keep to the strait path to God; anything else is slippery. Christ is your light and your path, the true light which enlightens everyone coming into the world; and he has said, 'I am the Way, by me your journey, to me you come'. If you go away from him you are off the right road and in the dark. It is said of the wicked 'their paths are slippery and dark'.
People say ' Why is the devil so powerful in the world?' Beloved, he can do nothing he is not permitted to do. If he is allowed to tempt you, make him retire in defeat instead of making you his prisoner.
DAILY READING WITH
St Augustine --- The Heart at Rest
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