Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim gat the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:22-24
Perhaps our tendency to take things for granted is only surpassed by our tendency to ignore clear warnings given for our protection. I remember seeing a video of a woman who met her demise while hurrying across a train track despite the blaring sound of the train whistle and the flashing lights at the station.
In this discussion, we consider the most tragic instance of human ignorance and arrogance ever recorded. Indeed, all of us face the consequences of the decisions made by the subjects of our story. I am certain these two had no real grasp of the extent to which their choice would wreak havoc on their posterity, but it severely altered the course of human history with no earthly means of repairing the damage. Thankfully, God prepared a plan to undo the terrible consequences we must face for the sin introduced by Adam and Eve.
Though they had no experiential knowledge of the consequences their sin would bring into this world, God had clearly warned them of sin’s grave consequences (Genesis 2:17). Fortunately for us, as with them, God has granted us “…all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1:3) by which we can avoid the catastrophic consequences of rebellion against God.
It begins with faith. The basic meaning of this term is trust. God spoke plainly and truthfully to them. He also gave them ample reason to trust Him by giving them a perfect place to thrive. When Satan deceived Eve, his first step was to sow the seeds of distrust. As he painted a picture of God selfishly denying what was rightfully hers, he undermined her trust in God. Had she maintained her trust in God, our story would read much differently. Remember, “The just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:16-17). We must take God at His word if we are to live.
Second, we must be content with what we have. Satan used the same formula to tempt Eve that he uses on us today. He appealed to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Genesis 3:6; cf. 1 John 2:15-17). Is it any wonder the Scriptures speak so much about thankfulness and contentment (Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-9; Colossians 3:15-17)? Satan shifted Eve’s focus from all the trees God had given her and narrowed her view to the only one He denied her. We must count our blessings and never let Satan convince us God has wrongfully withheld what we deserve.
Finally, we must practice humility. The difference in that tree and the rest was its usefulness to make one wise (Genesis 3:6). The other trees in the garden were no doubt good for food and pleasing to the eyes. So, we must conclude the pride of becoming like God was the clincher for Adam and Eve. As my dad would say, they got a little too big for their breeches. Satan still tries to play on our pride and convince us we deserve the things God has prohibited. The humble heart knows God’s laws are for our good always (Deuteronomy 6:24; Hebrews 12:7-11). So, will we take God at His word, or will we be taken captive by the devil’s empty deceit (Colossians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 11:4)?