“What am I to do, Abba, since passions and demons beset me?” a young monk asked the holy Abbot.
“Do not say that you are bothered by demons, child,” answered the elder, “because the greater part of us are beset by our own evil desires.”
——Sayings of the Desert
Flip Wilson was a quite popular stand-up comedian of the 60’s and 70’s whose trademark phrase was “the devil made me do it.” His catch phase served as an excuse for any type of outrageous behavior. Those words became very popular and were used by many to excuse their own behavior. Flip Wilson knew the expression was just a joke, but this expression is hidden in each of us. They are an unrelenting desire to pass responsibility along to someone or something else.
The wise Abba is confronted by the very same concept by a young monk. This young brother couldn’t possibly see that he was largely responsible for his our behavior. His Abba correctly instructed him to start with himself, and in doing so he would find victory over the demons. This approach holds a very profound lesson for us. Transformation begins with me.
My favorite pop philosopher, Jimmy Buffet, says it all in his signature song – Margaritaville. After three verses of decrying his plight with the words “there must be someone to blame,” the final verse says, “its my own d**n fault.
OURS IS THE GREATER PART
Related articles
- The Demonic Devils Bible? (writedge.com)
- The Rule of St. Benedict (knowltonss.wordpress.com)
A Pastor's Thoughts 
I have a (fairly cynical, at times) Egyptian friend who says that the Devil just tempted us the once, and we’ve done everything else ourselves.
Fascinating concept!
Reblogged this on Vox Eremita ~ The Voice of the Hermit and commented:
Ours is…. the greater part.