My small group has been discussing the topic of decision making from a Biblical perspective. Our first study reference was from the book of Genesis. What better example of poor decision making is there than Adam and Eve? Eve’s life-changing, bad decision to listen to the serpent was compounded when she convinced her husband Adam to partake of the forbidden fruit with her. (Genesis 3)
This is a story I’ve read so many times that I tend to minimize the importance of it. For the first time, I started wondering if Eve had any idea what a huge, big deal a simple piece of fruit really was? There was nothing simple about the eventual outcome, as she was seduced by a schemer who masterfully downplayed his deception.
After our Bible study, I tried putting myself in Eve’s place – imagining what I might have done had I been in her shoes. It didn’t take me long to develop a haughty attitude believing that I WOULD NEVER have been fooled by the serpent. I WOULD HAVE obeyed God. The “good girl” that I am WOULD HAVE BEEN SMARTER!
Even as I typed this, I couldn’t stop myself from rolling my eyes at my superior, haughty arrogance. Who am I kidding? In all likelihood, I would have made the exact same decision as Eve – and because it was a food-related temptation, I would have pounced on that apple in record time.
My lack of self-control resisting tempting foods only prove that I am every bit as weak as Eve, and then some. Many of my daily temptations come from food – specifically sugary foods. My addiction to such has been a lifelong battle. I’ve heard every lie in Satan’s playbook throughout my life, yet I’ve continually succumbed to the pull of the forbidden substance more times than I can count.
Perhaps if Eve would have had the benefit of Scriptural reference, she would have had the confidence to submit herself to God, resist the devil and watch him flee. (James 4:7)
If she would have known that she could command the devil to “get thee behind me Satan!” (Matthew 16:23), life would have unfolded in a completely different manner. History would be changed. We would ALL be changed were it not for Eve’s destructive decision.
Eve had the luxury of walking and talking with God in the garden but still made a poor life-choice! While I don’t have the same advantage as Eve, I DO have the benefit of God’s Holy Word.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)
Most of us make dozens of decisions – both big and small – daily. I’m praying that from here on out, when I’m conflicted regarding life’s many choices – AFTER I pray, it might not hurt to stop and think about Eve. She made an irreversible decision based on faulty logic and emotional reasoning.
Grant me wisdom and discernment Lord, so I may not walk according to my flesh. Holy Spirit be my guide so I can make wise decisions and so I won’t become an Eve!
Blessings in Christ, Kathy K.
The story of Adam and Eve still perplexes me every time I hear or read about it. I pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to prevent me from being an “Eve”.