Beware of Evil Desires

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-6

The bible warns us of the connection between temptation and desire. “But every an is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Whatever temptation you are facing today started long time ago. Let’s take a look at Eve, the first woman that ever lived upon the earth. Unlike Adam who was formed from the dust, Eve was formed from Adam’s rib after God caused him to fall into a deep sleep. God created a help meet for Adam (Genesis 1:18) when He created the woman, hence, the woman was created to be a companion suitable for the man. Both Adam and Eve were to tend the garden, watch over all of God’s creation and have fellowship with God. However, due to their disobedience, they were sent out of the garden of Eden.

Here are some lessons from the fall of the first man and woman. First of all, why was the woman tempted and how come she fell for the craftiness of the devil even though God had instructed them not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? Genesis 3:16-17. From today’s Bible reading in Genesis 3, the serpent began by asking the woman if God has instructed them not eat of every tree of the garden. Clearly, the devil knew that God did not instruct them to eat from every tree but a particular tree which was in the midst of the garden. Eve’s response was that not every tree but the one in the midst of the garden God said do not touch or else you will die. I feel it is the same way that the devil tempts us christians today by trying to manipulate God’s instruction and make it look ambiguous in our eyes. He says things such as God loves all His creation so whether you convert from a man to a woman or vice-versa does not make you less of who God has created you to be. Also, the devil might whisper to you evil things such as, you can steal from the company, don’t just take so much that will be noticed by your boss. The woman fell for the devil’s tricks when she started to reason in her mind how beneficial the devils offer might be once she ate the fruit. She saw that the tree was good for food; it was delightful to the eyes; and it had a potential to make her wise. Similarly, to fall for the tricks of the devil involves a manipulation of our thought process to see God’s command as burdensome and the devil’s offer as the best. The devil even pressed further by presenting Eve with good reasons why she should eat the fruit such as your eyes will be open and you will be as gods. Eve’s lustful desire made her to eat from the forbidden fruit and she also gave to her husband and he ate it. Beware of evil desires, beware of the tricks of the devil. Flee temptation.

Daily Confession: Father, please shut my eyes to the deceits of the devil and open my eyes to hidden treasures in your word.

Action point: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1:14

Daily Confession: Pray for fresh encounter from God in your church

Hymns: All things bright and beautiful,

all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful,

the Lord God made them all.