Two Simple 'Rules' To Examine Your Life

Today is the Memorial of St Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th century man who, although always Catholic, had a remarkable conversion experience while convalescing from an injury received in battle. This soldier, in his idle time, found that he was much inspired by the writings of the saints and that he gained much joy in meditating upon them. He also found that his fantasies and meditations on worldly things led only to fleeting happiness. This experience changed his entire perspective on life and he dedicated his life to God and Church. His Spiritual Exercises are widely used as the basis for retreats at many centers. He was canonized a saint on March 13, 1622 and his feast day is July 31st - the day of his death.
I have studied the "Rules of Spiritual Discernment" by St Ignatius and have profited greatly from them in my own spiritual life. I would highly recommend them to anyone desiring to deepen their own faith journey and experience of God. 
The first two rules have been most helpful to me. Although they are very simple and fundamental they serve as a reminder of how easily I can slip away from walking the right path. Rule #1 says: "In persons going from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good Spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason." In other words, if I am feeling guilty and heavy laden and at ill with the way I am living it is time for Confession and conversion.
The 2nd Rule is like it:"In persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God, it is the method contrary to that in the first rule. Then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden, and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good Spirit to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet while easing and putting aside obstacles, that one may go on in doing well." So, if I am consoled by the Holy Spirit and constantly tempted and disquieted by the evil one, I can be better assured that I am the right path. 
Please allow these two rules to be a spiritual guide for you. Examine your heart and your life each evening and see which spirit you are following. Then take the proper steps to change (or strengthen) the path you are on through prayer and Sacrament.

 In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.