Allure and Consequences
The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
Genesis 3:6-7, 21 (NLT)
We have an enemy who wants to lure us away from God and what’s best for us. We’re enticed by the same things that were attractive to Eve.
Eve saw that the tree was beautiful. It looked good and was pleasing to the eye. People are attracted to and seduced by things and other people that are attractive to the eye but do not fulfill the soul. But the Word of God says:
People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
Eve was attracted to the fruit that looked delicious. We are susceptible to trying to soothe the struggles of this life with food or other substances and we like to fill our stomachs with things that taste good. We put a high premium on trying to satisfy our physical needs. But Jesus said:
People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4 (NLT)
Eve wanted the wisdom and knowledge that would be attained by eating the forbidden fruit. We tend to want a shortcut to knowing what’s best, and the internet temporarily feeds our desire to know more. But the Bible tells us that true wisdom comes from God.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 (NLT)
As we see with Adam and Eve, and as we’ve experienced in our own lives, there are consequences to seeking fulfillment in the things of this world rather than in the love of God. Adam and Eve felt shame and tried to cover themselves and their sins with leaves that were inadequate and temporary. But God sacrificed an animal to provide a covering that was enduring and sufficient. Thank God that He’s provided a worthy sacrifice in Jesus, sufficient to cover our sin, and give us enduring, eternal life!
Application: Ask God where you might be susceptible to seeking fulfillment in things of this world. Confess to God the thoughts that come to mind.
Prayer: In your own words, pray something like this verse to God:
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?