C.S. Lewis’ ‘Screwtape Letters’ is one of my favorite books.
And if you don’t know the premise, it is essentially one demon coaching another on how to be most effective in their work.
With that in mind, I decided to ask ChatGPT (the world’s leading AI) to roleplay as Satan and how it would go about destroying your and my financial lives.
This is the terrifyingly accurate breakdown of what it said…
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1. Encourage an insatiable appetite for materialism and greed.
Convince him that accumulating wealth and possessions is the primary purpose of his existence. Let him equate success with the abundance of his assets rather than any tiresome notions of spiritual advancement. The more he fixates on earthly treasures, the less he will concern himself with God’s revolting ideals.
2. Foster discontent and envy within him.
Keep his eyes perpetually fixed on what others possess. Instill in him a relentless dissatisfaction, a gnawing sense that he never has enough. This will prompt him to spend recklessly in a futile attempt to “keep up with the Joneses,” diverting his attention from any higher aspirations.
3. Normalize debt and overspending.
Make extravagant living seem not only acceptable but necessary. Portray overspending as a harmless indulgence or even a reward for his hard work. As he becomes burdened by debt, his worries will consume him, leaving little room for God’s influence.
4. Promote selfishness under the guise of self-care.
Encourage him to believe that he “deserves” to lavish resources upon himself excessively. Let him mistake indulgence for self-love, thereby justifying exorbitant spending while neglecting the needs of others.
5. Instill a sense of entitlement.
Make him feel that he is owed certain luxuries and lifestyle standards. This will rationalize any unwise financial decisions he makes in pursuit of these perceived rights, further entangling him in our snares.
6. Undermine the importance of planning.
Discourage him from budgeting or any form of financial foresight. Make planning seem tedious or unnecessary. Without a roadmap, he’ll be more susceptible to impulsive purchases and fiscal chaos.
7. Promote short-term gratification over long-term well-being.
Emphasize the allure of immediate pleasures. Let him prioritize the now, dismissing any thoughts of future stability or the benefits of generosity. Impatience is a valuable ally to our cause.
8. Sow doubt about the impact of his giving.
Make him question whether his contributions truly make a difference. If he believes his generosity is futile, he’ll be less inclined to part with his precious resources, keeping them firmly within our reach.
9. Foster complacency regarding minor financial missteps.
Encourage the notion that small indiscretions are insignificant. These seemingly trivial lapses will accumulate over time, leading to greater transgressions and a gradual descent away from God.
10. Amplify his fear of scarcity. Magnify his anxieties about the future.
Whisper that he must hoard his resources, for there may not be enough tomorrow. This will erode his trust in God’s so-called providence and make him clutch tightly to his wealth, reducing any inclination toward generosity.
Remember…
Our objective is not to provoke dramatic rebellions but to gently nudge the man off course. The most effective road to Satan’s house is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings or milestones.
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Wow… That seems pretty spot-on to me.
But here’s the good news – while the Enemy has a plan to destroy your financial life, God has an infinitely better plan for you.
Where Satan seeks to trap you in materialism, God offers true freedom. Where the Enemy whispers “hoard,” God invites you to experience the joy of generosity.
Where Satan sows fear and scarcity, God promises abundance and provision.
The choice is ours. We can follow the Enemy’s path of endless accumulation that leads to emptiness, or we can step into God’s divine economy where giving multiplies blessings and where true riches aren’t measured by what’s in your bank account but by lives transformed through our generosity.
Remember, Satan’s plan requires your active participation – your choice to believe his lies, to chase after temporary treasures, and to live in fear rather than faith.
But God’s plan simply requires surrender – letting go of control and trusting Him as your provider, embracing His principles of stewardship, and allowing Him to work through you to advance His Kingdom.
The Enemy wants to keep you trapped in financial bondage, but God wants to set you free to experience a truly rich life – one marked by contentment, purpose, and eternal impact. Which path will you choose?
Don’t let Satan’s schemes derail God’s incredible plans for your finances. Step into the adventure of biblical stewardship, where every dollar becomes a seed planted for eternal harvest and where your greatest satisfaction comes not from what you keep, but from what you give away.
The battle for your financial future is real.
But take heart – the One who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” is fighting for you. And His plans for your finances are far greater than anything you could orchestrate on your own.
Your friend and coach,
