Read: Genesis 3:1-7
Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
This lie actually started with Eve rather than with Satan. God didn’t say if you touched the fruit you would die. We often do Satan’s work for him through self-talk. We create our own troubles because we misread the Scriptures; hear something that wasn’t said, or just overreact to any restriction or command we are given.
We sometimes make rules that God didn’t make for us or add to them, thinking that keeping them will make us more spiritual like the Pharisees did. “(Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.” (Colossians 3:21-23) These rules end up becoming a hindrance to our relationship with the Lord instead of a blessing.
Don’t get me wrong, to not touch something that you are not supposed to have is a good idea. If I touch the chocolate chip cookie, I’m probably going to eat it! It is good to have standards to guide and protect you, but don’t make the mistake that Eve made and let those rules become more important than God and your relationship with Him.
Satan’s lie was to contradict God. When he can get us to question God and His Word, we are heading for trouble! I saw a bumper sticker once; “God said it. I believe it. That’s good enough for me!” Whether we believe it or not doesn’t matter. If God said it, that is good enough!
Meditation for the Day: Why do we have rules or standards? Do you have standards that help protect you and help you stay faithful to God and His Word? Don’t let those rules become more important than loving God and obeying Him.
Assignment: Are there “commandments and doctrines of men” that have caused you to take your focus off of what the Lord really wants from you? Have you gotten into the habit of living by rules rather than living for God?
For Fun: Make a list of five things (like my chocolate chip cookie) that you should probably not touch so you won’t be tempted by them.