This morning Scarlett and I read about the fall of man in Genesis 3. I must admit, not a very happy topic, but one filled with lessons. As we read, the Lord really illuminated a part of the Scripture to me.
Usually, I think of Eve as this innocent thing that was tricked by the big bad snake with legs. She was just walking along and then this thing convinced her to disobey God. Bam! All the sudden she's the bad girl of the Bible who is so bad that she gets immortalized in other religions as well. Ever heard of Pandora? Yep. Poor Eve! She wasn't doing anything wrong and she was punished for it.
BUT today, I read something that gave me a bit more insight: "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it" (Genesis 3:16 NIV). I know I'm nearsighted so I can't really see stuff from far away, and I'm sure Eve had perfect eyesight, but I've gotta say, she must have been pretty darn close to that tree to see what the fruit looked like.
And then there is where it hit me. Eve was hanging around the tree, hanging around the thing that she wasn't supposed to do, hanging around temptation. It's just like if you specifically tell a four year old not to eat a cookie and then leave the room. Turn the page: no more cookie.
So many of us fall into temptation with our actions, with our words and with our thoughts mostly because we keep on hanging around that thing that tempts us either physically or mentally. So, my challenge for myself right now, and maybe some will choose to join me, is to step away from the tree.
9 comments:
Great post!
I agree, wonderful post. Hit me right between the eyes, I tell ya!!
thank you for the comment...we are in THE RACE of our lives! Stretching and training...you are soooo right..
Have you heard the song by Sara Groves about Eve, she sings "If I were honest with myself,and I'd been standing at that tree, my mouth and my lips would be covered in fruit, things I should know, things I shouldn't see..." We have all been Eve...maybe that is why I am trying so darn hard to be disciplined:):) enjoyed my visit!! I'll be back!
Missy stole me line! But yeah, smack between the eyes!
Another thought strikes me: relying on self-discipline and self-control shouldn't work for me - it's based on the faulty notion that I have it within me to be self-disciplined or self-controlled. I don't - it has to be fruit that the Spirit has grown in me, or it doesn't bear more fruit and re-seed. I want fruit that bears life, not something I work up and can take the credit for myself!!!
Great post, thanks for making me think. Unlike mine, that just points out the absurd thoughts that run through my strange mind :)
Yes, I wrote about that the other day. We need to step back. That's just the beginning. As soon as we step in, we're drawn away by our lust.
Awesome insight. Stepping away from the tree might cause questions in others, but obiedience causes God to be pleased!!!!
Bless you!!!:)
Rockin' Post
This is a great post! I too needed to be reminded to "step away from the tree"!
I never looked at it that way. It is true she was where she should not be. I am enjoying your blog!
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