God's first act after creating us was to bless us (Gen.1:28). This blessing empowers and equips us to rule over all of creation. Our very wise creator blesses us for this work when we are on our knees before Him. In blessing us God forever established the proper relationship between the disciple and his or her Master. He knew from the beginning that our fellowship with Him would be broken were we to seek after (covet) for ourselves the things we were to manage only for Him.

Living among the fruit of rebellion, we know only too well that Eve got off her knees. We find ourselves in that same "not Thy will, but mine be done" attitude time after time.

Let us examine the steps leading to Eve's fall that we might be better prepared and wise disciples as Satan urges us to question and ignore God's Word.

The root of Eve's rebellion was a lack of gratitude toward God for the perfect relationship she enjoyed with Him. We see the first hint of this in Genesis 3:1-3. Satan taunted Eve by questioning God's Word. Her response was not a firm restatement of His instructions. Instead, her response both added to and subtracted from God's instruction, displaying evidence of her vunerability and resentment towards God.

Satan's second invitation to rebellion (v.4-5) further filled the void of ingratitude. As Eve chose to entertain Satan's deceptive thoughts, she set herself up to sin as she "...saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise" (v.6). She gained the wisdom of the world and lost fellowship with the Father.

Just as in the garden, Satan tempts us with ideas and issues that challenge and distort God's Word. They fan the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16). Rather than believe and submit to God (who enables us to conduct our affairs in a way that produces a sweet-smelling aroma to Himself and draws souls into a committment to Jesus), we in the Church increasingly stand for our "rights", opt for newer and more spectacular faciltiies and elaborate programs, and strive for personal comfort through financial security and independence.

Are we content with what we have? (Heb.13:5; Ps.119:36), or do we covet and become envious? (Exek.33:31)

Is our first thought for the use of our resources that of seeking investment opportunities for the Lord's treasure (2 Cor.9:6-15), or is it for our own (Luke 16:1-13)?

Are each of us managing the Creator's property for our eternal blessing? (Prov.31:16,20), or are our energies spent for earthly gain, and our eternal loss (Luke 12:15-21; Prov.11:28)?

Eve's perfect never-having-sinned relationship with the Father precluded her knowing of the heartache and emptiness that comes from choosing for personal gain. Those of us living after the Fall have an advantage over Eve. We know the tears and anguish we bring upon ourselves as we do.

Will we have the courage to cling to God's Word; to deny ourselves and follow Him (Matt.16:24)? God's perfect peace and provision is promised to all who do (Isa.26:3; Rom.8:32).

This page was created on 17 April 1998 Last updated on 17 April 1998

Reproduced with thanks