Several weeks ago, I wrote a devotional for singles inspired by C.S Lewis’ fiction book about a demon named Screwtape writing to his nephew in training, Wormwood. This week, Screwtape coaches Wormwood to destroy marriages, which helps us see from a different perspective.

My dear Wormwood,

You have been making excellent progress with marriages. I hear that many of them are not thriving, and I also understand that the divorce rate amongst Christians remain high. Great job! You’re doing a wonderful job with our singles…I hear that when they do marry, they land themselves in a glorious mess. However, some of them manage to be healthy(ugh!), so let’s change that, shall we? Four verbs to assist you are change, compare, calculate, and communicate.

Change: We want each spouse to demand change from the other.  The ironic human tendency is the magnet effect on their differences. Their differences attract each other in the beginning and then push each other away in marriage, and consequently blind them to each other’s gifts and passions.

Ahhh we particularly love watching this play out while eating popcorn. This must continue even if only for our entertainment…yesss. Have them despise each other’s unique weaknesses so that one is wrapped in shame while the other is wrapped in self-righteousness. We have found that recipe to be excellent. Then, have them switch those roles. When this cycle repeats, their marriage is almost always doomed… 

Compare: We love, love, love this one. Who loves just one person out of seven billion? Have them focus on lacking qualities only. We want them to feel like they chose poorly. Have them notice that their friend’s spouse is better looking, tidier, more talented, and kinder. Humans are hard on themselves, but we need the added pressure of an unhappy spouse for their demise.

Calculate: Humans are drawn to numbers, games, and scorekeeping, so these are crucial whisperings. Have them track mental notes of how many times they’ve done the dishes, driven the kids to school, taken out the trash and cleaned the bathroom. Keep those coming! Have one win so that the other loses. When they constantly attack each other, you have done your job well, Wormwood. We especially love when deep-rooted arguments begin with menial things like toothpaste caps, toilet paper, and toilet seats. I am having our videographers turn these scenes into comedy clips, and they are golden, Wormwood! 

Lastly: communication. We hate that it exists at all, but when it does, just make them indifferent or contemptuous.  We like when they either sweep issues under the rug until there is too much baggage to deal with, or when there is constant fighting.  We do not wish for either spouse to feel heard or understood, and we especially don’t want couples to pursue counseling. We hate when that happens because that makes our job much tougher. The lies we embed become exposed. 

In sum, put them against each other. Cause misunderstanding, isolation, and disappointment. I will end with this, and this one is crucial, yet tricky, Wormwood. Try not to let them put God first. We lose those ones for good, and we can’t have those marriages back. When they put God first, we can’t touch them.
Keep up the good work, Wormwood.

Your benevolent uncle,

Screwtape.