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In the message “Did God Really Say” we saw how the devil began his deception by causing Eve to doubt what God said; “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat…’?” (Genesis 3:1). He then said God had lied and was actually keeping Eve from something beneficial; “God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5).
The devil convinced Eve that disobeying God (in just this one instance) would be the right thing to do. After all, she would become more like God…and that MUST be the proper path to follow.
Genesis 3:6
“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.”
Eve had seen the fruit before this encounter with the devil, and she already knew it looked good. But God had established a boundary line which, until now, she had never crossed. However, when the devil presented his twisted version of the truth, this line began to shift. Eve became unsure about absolute right and wrong and saw the line as something she could control. She adjusted God’s path to aligned with her own desires and, in the process, she violated God’s command.
God has shown each of us the boundary line between right and wrong – we KNOW the truth. God’s line is not subject to our control, and we are not given the freedom to cross the line depending on our circumstances or perceived benefit.
We are often deceived by simple justifications: “I know this is wrong, but my increased wisdom from this experience will eventually be used to help others.” Or, “I know this is wrong, but what else can I do? God surely wants me to eat and pay my bills.” Or, “I know this is wrong, but at least it’s not as bad as ….” Or the common sexual deception; “I know this is wrong, but we really love each other.”
It’s God’s desire that we trust Him with all our heart and follow His path each and every day, without ANY shortcuts or deviations. As we follow His leading, we will face many decisions – many places where the path divides – and we must decide which direction to turn. Fortunately, we can depend on God to NEVER direct us into sin. If a path contains sin, we can be sure it is NOT God’s path – not the path we ought to follow!
Let’s trust Him to absolutely direct our every step. Let’s draw so close to our Heavenly Father that all deception is exposed. Let’s walk His path without compromise and refuse to shift, or cross over, His boundary line of truth.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
