The Temptation of St. Anthony is a very popular motif in Western art, but the one that inspired me most was Michelangelo’s rendition which is hanging at the Kimbell in Ft. Worth. It is the master’s earliest known work; he painted it when he was 13. Thinking back to my 13th year I cannot help but remember the demons that plagued me—rampant insecurity, anxiety about life, perpetual frustration, and an influx of negative emotions I had not yet gained the feet to stand against. I understand why my 9th grade student and the 13-year-old Michelangelo were drawn to this subject. Demons are unquenchable in their appetite to hurt all of us, especially the children.

The demons in this image each represent one of the 7 deadly sins—they are given form to remind us that sin is not simply an abstraction. An epistemology of materialism would have us believe all pain is caused by serotonin imbalance, etc. but the epistemology of faith recognizes the reality of a groaning creation filled with prowling devils that hate God’s goodness. Because demons have no true power, they can only corrupt the good through deception. How many times do we sinners fall into their lies and lose sight of the worthiness of living?

St. Anthony shows us the fuller story—not only that demons are real, but that by the grace of God, they can be beaten. More than that, St. Anthony’s greatest courage was his willingness to facedown the demons headlong by going into the desert; he trusts in His savior and stands his ground. I hope this image of St. Anthony can help those who are fighting demons and be a reminder: the Lord is with you!