Genesis 3:22
Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”
We all know the Genesis account of Adam and Eve. God gave them the responsibility to manage Eden. They also received explicit instructions to enjoy everything in the garden but not touch nor eat from the tree of knowing good and evil. Of course when one is told not to do something, don’t we gravitate toward it? Does it even matter if there are ten thousand other options for your choosing? Your eyes cannot remove themselves from the one forbidden item. Yes, even if one of the other items includes the tree of life which pictures eternal life.
We have all been there. The moment of truth. Whether we succumb to the temptation or refrain from following through, the choice is ours to make. Like Eve, how often are we told not to touch something. If we did, it would cause us severe pain. So when we did, and nothing immediately occurred, we felt like we were lied too. So we continue on the same forbidden path, entrench in the matter, thinking everything we have been told is also a lie. But after satisfying our indulgence, the negative impact occurs. We eventually regret our decision, but it is too late. The pain from the consequences of our action begins their decent. Our world is turned upside down.
Adam and Eve is our historical example of what happens when we fail to submit to God’s instructions. He is the author of creation and life. His concern, contrary to hostile opinions, is for humanity’s success. So, what happens when we choose to ignore HIM and decide for ourselves what is good and bad? The long-term consequences are unpleasant.
One decree to follow and our initial parents failed to comply. Are we any different?
Adam and Eve were born to live a full and productive life. They even had the opportunity to take the fruit from the tree of life and live a meaningful, happy, and full life forever. But their self-centered desire along with their lack of trust in God Almighty allowed deception to enter into their world. They failed to consider God’s decrees are designed for our good. How? By maintaining boundaries in place to prevent us from falling into the dark side of life.
The negative consequences of history repeat themselves because we fail to learn from them. Yet, we are thankful Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophesy given at the Fall to reestablish direct contact with God for you and I today. We can now choose to follow the divine practices of HIS Kingdom and escape the fragmented trauma of living in a broken world.
Yes, evil is constantly throwing its ugly darts hoping to dissuade us from pursuing our Lord and HIS promise land. But we are grateful HE has chosen to live in us. To equip us with heavenly tools. To combat the enemy. And to grant us the opportunity of being born again. To live life the way HE intended humanity to be and act.
One day Eden will be restored. Then, you and I will fully participate with our Great God. We will live life to the fullest within a community of others for a greater purpose than surviving for another day. You and I were born to live. And life begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. HE made everything possible. Let HIM lead you to a life worth living. You will always be gratefully surprised by the long-term outcome.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
Learn & Grow with these eBooks:
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ (Now Available)
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- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
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- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
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