using our sins against themselves

St John Cassian talks to us today about being wily in dealing with our sins in A Year with the Church Fathers. He says that sometimes we might think about using one sin against another. For instance, if we are tempted to lust, we can use the sin of vanity against it... thinking that we are above such things and that people will respect us if we don't fall into that sin.

The actual practice of the advice is, I think, questionable. But the intent behind it is sound - use the tools that God gives you to overcome your sins. We all struggle with sin, whether it be uncharitable thoughts about our family, unkind words to our neighbor, lack of gratitude for all of the things God has given us... we all struggle with sin. And being "wise and serpents and innocent as doves", I think, means finding strategies to overcome our sin.

If there is a particular sin that entangles you, ask for His help in overcoming it. And then be patient. The process of overcoming our sins sometimes takes time. Don't be weary in learning... He teaches us, very patiently. We have to be patient in our learning, as well.

God, please teach us to overcome our sins. And please fill our hearts so full of Your love that sin is driven out.