A Choice

Recently I was reading these verses out of the book of Genesis:

Genesis 3:1-6 (ESV) 1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"

2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, either shall you touch it, lest you die.'

4 But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate."

After reading and thinking about these familiar verses... it hit me.
God put the one "forbidden tree" in the midst of the garden.
Right where Adam and Eve would see it.
The fruit on it’s branches were obviously edible.
It looked delicious.
So why was it there where they could probably see it every day?

I think part of the answer is that there’s something about true love that leaves the door open to the possibility of rebellion.
God wants us to say to Him with all of our heart… YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I choose you above all else.
That moment comes to each of us as followers of Christ.


Have you had a big "crossroads moment" yet in your life?
The choice between Jesus and something or someone else.
A classic quote: "A faith that hasn't been tested can't be trusted".

It's a defining moment when we choose to follow Christ no matter what.
Even if he doesn't understand.
Even if she leaves.
Even if people think I'm a fanatic.
Even if my job will be in jeopardy.

At that moment do we love God more than the opinions of other people?
Do we love God's Word more than the word of even those closest to us?

This isn't easy... is it?

True love leaves the door open to rebellion.
True love chooses not to go through it.
Matthew 6:21 (ESV) " For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."