James the Just

Spiritual Delusion and the Safe Path of Humility On the path to salvation, the dangers aren't only the visible sins. There is also a hidden fall that wears the garment of piety: spiritual delusion (prelest). The one who is deluded doesn't know he is deluded, and that is exactly where the danger lies. What is delusion? 
St. Ignatius Brianchaninov calls it the damaging of human nature by falsehood: a person accepts a lie and takes it for the truth. The saint shows that since Adam's fall we are all exposed to this danger, so no one can consider himself beyond its reach. He distinguishes two forms of delusion: – Fantasy: during prayer the mind forms images of Christ, of angels, or of lights, and the person comes to believe he is having visions.
– Self-opinion: this form is subtler and more widespread. The person sees nothing, yet imagines he has lofty spiritual feelings, that he has advanced, that he is better than others, and that he can teach them. Both have the same root: pride and self-reliance. That is why Scripture warns us that "Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14). It also tells us not to believe every spirit, but to "test the spirits, whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1). "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12). 
St. John Cassian tells of the elder Heron. He had lived fifty years in the desert with harsh fasting, but he trusted his own judgment more than the counsel of the fathers. The devil appeared to him as an "angel" and persuaded him to throw himself into a well, assuring him that no harm would come to him. He was pulled out nearly dead and died three days later, without even admitting that he had been deceived. The Fathers concluded that discernment is born of humility, that is, of revealing one's thoughts to those who are experienced. St. Ignatius teaches that where there is true repentance, delusion finds no place. Whoever sees himself as a sinner doesn't seek visions and doesn't exalt himself. Prayer should be said with attention to the words, without imaginings, from a contrite heart. St. Isaac the Syrian says that whoever has been granted to see himself is greater than whoever has been granted to see angels. St. Gregory of Sinai adds that God is not displeased with someone who, fearing delusion, does not accept visions. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). 
"Those who have no guidance fall like leaves, but in much counsel there is safety" (Prov. 11:14). And Scripture commands: "Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you" (Deut. 32:7). Even Saul, to whom Christ Himself appeared, was sent to a man of the Church, to Ananias: "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6). If the Lord Himself sent the Apostle to be guided, how much more do we need guidance? St. Anthony said he had known monks who fell after many labors. They trusted in their own efforts and neglected the commandment "Ask your father." St. John of the Ladder shows that those who want to leave Egypt need a Moses. Abba Dorotheos says that no one is more easily overthrown than the one who has no one to guide him on the path of God. 
St. Ignatius saw things soberly. He said that in our times Spirit-bearing elders are rare. That is why he urged a life under counsel:
– let us be guided by Scripture and the Holy Fathers;
– let us go to confession often;
– let us seek the advice of those who are experienced;
– let us test everything against the teaching of the Church. He also urges us to beware of guides who praise themselves and demand obedience for their own glory. "If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch" (Matt. 15:14). A true spiritual father doesn't bind you to himself; he leads you to Christ. Whoever wants to be saved must travel by asking the way.