Missed the Mark

It all started way back in the Garden of Eden; our enemy, in the form of a serpent, manipulated Eve into eating fruit from the forbidden tree. We all know the story, Adam and Eve ate the fruit, and now their eyes are open. God came calling, and they hid from Him. Adam responded that he was afraid because he was naked.

As I read Genesis 2 and 3, my eyes are open. This is elementary; I first heard it in Sunday school, in actual school (Catholic, Baptist, and Adventist). I have read it multiple times but now understand what this story is showing us.

Okay, let’s get into it!

Sin, birthed from man’s desire, opens a door to disobedience, washing away innocence, and introducing fear and shame.

When God asked Adam, Who told you, you are naked, have you eaten from the tree from which I commanded you not to eat? Adam tried to deflect the guilt from himself. Adam told God, The woman, YOU gave to be with me, SHE gave me and I ate. Adam knew he was wrong, but first, he had to point out to God that He gave her to be with him. He tried to minimize his part in this disobedience, but God commanded Adam not to eat fruit from the tree. Maybe Adam figured; that God would punish the woman and pardon him because she gave it to him.

God asked a question to which He already knew the answer, but His question exposed man. His question shines a light on me that our first instinct is to preserve ourselves by blaming others. It wasn’t my fault, she gave it to me and I ate. Eve’s response was much the same because she blamed satan/serpent, he deceived me; neither of them took responsibility for their part; they passed the blame.

But each one is tempted when he is dragged away and enticed by his own desire. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it brings forth death.                        

James 1:14-15 TLV

The serpent successfully manipulated Eve because her desire did not align with God; she desired to be like God, to have wisdom. Eve, like most of us, wants what we cannot have. We don’t think anything should be off limits for us. We want what we want or should I say, the flesh wants what the flesh wants; this is where our trouble begins.

Our flesh is weak; it is our nature to sin. Going against the grain of your flesh is uncomfortable but necessary. We will mess up, but understand this; we have the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Through Jesus, we are set free, but we have to choose freedom. We will never be perfect in this life, but our heavenly Father has given us the power to be victorious. The power of His word and prayer. We have the Armor of God. Read for yourself about this armor God has given us in Ephesians 6: 11-18.

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 TLV

Don’t get me wrong, you and I have an enemy, the same enemy who deceived Eve; he knows our desires. What are the desires of your heart; are we longing for the things of God or the world? Children of God, we are stronger than the enemy; we have God-given power; all he has is lies. The Bible tells us in John 10:10; The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.

So the next time you make a mistake and sin; take notice that you desired to do so. It was a choice you made. Repent and ask God for strength to overcome temptation and wisdom to make good choices. The more we say yes to Jesus, the less we seek the things of this world.

Peace and Blessings