Tempting Fruit
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for good and pleasing to the eye and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3:6
Things were going along perfectly well in the Garden of Eden until one day when the traveling serpent arrived. His sales pitch was clever and seductive. Instead of pointing out all the advantages and privileges available to eve, he focused immediately upon the one thing she lacked. His finely rehearsed speech began by planting some seeds of doubt. Then he watered the seeds with a lie and before long, the tendrils of dissatisfaction worked their way into Eve’s mind. The fruit of disobedience was ripe for picking before she even realized it.
To some of us this seems just a quaint story from Sunday school. But for others, it’s a story that repeats itself in our own homes on a daily basis. We look around at our own personal “gardens” and don’t see the blessings there. Instead, we listen to the voices of the salespeople who sow seeds of doubt into our minds: “You’d be a lot happier if your husband looked like that hunk pictured in that post your friend just put up.” “Call or text now to get this genuine imitation diamond pendant. It’s only available for 20 more minutes at this price!” “You deserve a better house, newer car, or trip to Hawaii—and we can loan you the money to get it!”
Before long, dissatisfaction sets in and we, like Eve, begin to concentrate on the salesperson’s goods instead of God’s provision. We just know we would be more fulfilled if we were in a different relationship, had more stuff, or were able to purchase additional luxuries. And when that belief takes hold, the behavior of disobedience isn’t far behind.
The world if filled with temptations offered by seductive salespeople whose interest is not our fulfillment, but their own. On that count, things haven’t changed much from the days of Adam and Eve. Like Eve, we have an opportunity to listen to and obey God or believe the words of deceivers. It may not be easy to shut our ears to the constant barrage of voices in print or online telling us what we need. Doing so, however, will help us hear the still small voice of our Father who promises to provide for all our needs beyond what we could think or ask. As women, we have a powerful influence in our families. The choice is ours. Like Eve, we can share our stolen fruit with those closes to us, spreading our discontent, or, by the Spirit’s power, we can give thanks and praise to God by finding contentment in and gratitude for what His love has provided.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Dear Lord, When other voices try to distract me, let me lean on Your strength to remain faithful to You. Thank You for providing all I need. Give me eyes to see the blessings You have given me and ears to hear Your voice. Amen.