The Eight Vices - Dejection
Dejection blocks self-contemplation and corrupts the soul
Dejection is one of the eight vices. More commonly known as depression, melancholy, sadness or sorrow, this vice is one of the most destructive. And why is that? Simply because this vice entices us to destroy ourselves.
To frame the eight vices as demons is an apt way to express the damage and danger they pose to your daily life, mental health and most importantly of all, the sanctity of your soul. Dejection leaves you open to demon attacks, which manifest themselves in the form of despair and self-destruction. Left unchecked and unchallenged – and yes each of the vices must be challenged, battled and defeated each and every time they present themselves to you – dejection will devour you soul.
Think a moment on the effects of dejection in our daily lives once we let it in: we lose joy in all things, we lose motivation to do things we love, spend time with family and others that we love and spend time alone doing things that show we love ourselves and have strong faith – like prayer. The final one is the most damaging, because the strength of prayer and faith is one of the biggest weapons a person can have to defeat this and all the other vices in our life.
Dejection can also alter the way we see the world and the people in it. We being to hate things and hatred is the soul killer. We may then begin to distance ourselves from others, and stop interacting with others. As we then stop accepting advice and help we can turn bitter and listless and leave ourselves open to further attacks that will only compound our problems. The vices (demons) do love to gang up on us, with each and every one working to open the door for the others to enter.
Where does dejection begin for us than? How does it gain access. Well, in most cases, it arrives as you are beginning to do the right things in life. You may have started a new challenge, you may be growing into something, you may becoming more disciplined in an area of your life. In other words, you may be leaning into a more ascetic lifestyle that will bring you closer to God and grow your soul. The vices (demons) cannot have that, and they attack.
Some mistakenly believe that to live an ascetic life is to live a lonely and disconnected life from others. This could not be further from the truth. We are still to live among others, we just do so holding ourselves to the highest standards possible, and obeying those most ancient commandments. Some feel talking talking about vice, sin and commandments to be backwards thinking, or outdated, but in actual fact, in todays world, they are of the most utmost importance.
The reason why we do not abandon our connection to others, is because it is a trap in itself, set by the other vices (demons) to capture and corrupt our souls. If we were to disconnect we would begin to feel as if we are superior to those not living that ascetic life. This false sense or achievement is a trap set by Avarice, Pride and Self-Esteem.
Taking a biblical context, we can see the demon of dejection and its path to despair through the story of Cain and Abel and also by the story of Judas. Dejection would not let Cain repent after killing his brother nor too Judas after his betrayal. Dejection in this sense could be seen as a way to excuse ones bad behavior die to factors outside of ones control. And that may be one of the remedies for dejection: taking control and owning your words and actions, and reaping what you sow in this world.
So when should we cultivate sorrow? One of the few times where sorrow should be contemplated is during periods of reflection, for example during prayer as we repent sins. This act alone will not fall into vice(demon) hands. Dejection tells the story of lack of control, like other vices, whereas repentance and self-reflection tell the story of something entirely different: taking control and owning ones mistakes and vowing to do better tomorrow. Repentance (sorrow) then could be seen as almost anti-dejection.
Godly sorrow produces a saving repentance which is not to be repented of | Cor 7:10
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