Sometimes I wonder, how could Adam and Eve, living in a perfect environment, with a perfect relationship with God, choose to disobey Him and do evil?
It is easy to be critical of Adam for failing to do what he knew to be right. It is correct to condemn his choice; however, we must remember that, we get to relive the drama of the Garden of Eden every day , as we are repeatedly confronted with the choice of doing what we selfishly naturally like or obeying God.
This past weekend, in several instances, I followed in Adam’s footsteps, choosing to be impatient with one of my young mentorees. He is a difficult, pushy person, but that is no excuse for my reacting out of my frustration with impatience. I had to choose against the next sin of justifying myself, and instead apologize for my sin, which was not pleasant, but good.
Things have not changed significantly since Adam’s fall. The same battle, with the same enemy, goes on in the garden of our souls every day. And like Adam’s sin, our fall affects many more than just ourselves.
So, instead of being critical of Adam, I need to realize I am just as weak as he was, while Satan is just as wily and evil as he ever was.
Each decision becomes my mini “Garden of Eden opportunity” to correct the failure of our first parents. And as I make the choice to believe God rather than Satan, I am joining God in His great work of taking ground back from Satan, of advancing His Kingdom in my heart and among the people around me.
What a significant role He’s given us! May we step up and join Him in His great plan to conclude history, eliminate evil and usher in eternity where all will again be perfect, pristine and pure.
A prayer: “Lord, help me to recognize the significant opportunities you give me each day to choose for you, against my flesh, against the world and the devil. May I join you in your great plans through obedience in the little things and bring light and blessing to all those around me. Amen.”
