Screwtape talks about getting humans to think ahead to the future, especially concerning things that don't have meaning. In order to get Wormwood's patient's mind off "dangerous topics", Screwtape advises " Keep him comforting himself with the thought of how much he will enjoy his bed next night" (166). Or Screwtape talks of his own patient starting his thoughts down a risky track and of redirecting his patient's thoughts in adding "Much better come back after lunch and go into it with a fresh mind" (3). This is scary to think about. It is in ways such like this that people start to think of themselves over others, leading them away from God's working in serving outwardly. We need to be very careful in our thoughts. It's so easy to let our mind take whatever direction we please, but this takes us away from what God desires of us.
We also need to be mindful of giving ourselves rest. Screwtape and his minions dislike our taking a walk, as on page 64 through the mill, or reading a book just for relaxation. This gives our mind time to come back to why we're here, and they're no longer able to distract us from "real life". The empty cycle of sin is also a distraction, taking our focus off others. Is there a way to escape all these distractions? None other than Jesus. We'll lapse back into habits, but we can trust Him to give us strength through them.
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