The tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. (Genesis 2:17 ESV)
When I left the house this cool October morning, I gleamed with optimism. I did not imagine a trap lying in wait at my destination. I packed my lunch, filled my travel cup and headed out. I joined my church family, helping with home repairs for a family in need. Their home had been repaired and remodeled over the years to accommodate their ten special needs adopted children. The years of stewardship were obvious as the house radiated equally with humble charm and spacious elegance.
Upon entering, I was warmly greeted and led into the living room where everyone was gathered. Once direction was given and prayer shared, someone announced that coffee and breakfast food was available in the dining room. I had already eaten breakfast but headed to the dining room to start the task I had been given.
There it was. Sickness cloaked as an autumn treat called my name. Cinnamon streusel bars were neatly displayed under a glass-covered cake tray. They looked perfectly baked, gooey in the middle and crumbly on top. The scent of cinnamon and coffee swirled in the air coaxing me with the promise of the perfect pairing. But I knew what it really was — fleeting satisfaction and lingering pain.
About one year ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune disease. For some, a cinnamon streusel bar could be enjoyed occasionally with no side effects. But for me, the gluten would cause havoc on my body resulting in increased fatigue, joint pain, swelling and digestive issues. This enticing little treat had the power to greatly reduce my quality of life.
That is a lot of credit to give to something that seems so small. I have had similar thoughts about sin. Thoughts like, It’s not hurting anyone, it’s not a big deal. I wonder, could sin be like a streusel bar? Beautiful, attractive to the senses and widely accepted by those around you. Death cloaked in a wardrobe of beauty and light. Surely if satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), the work of sin must be just as deceitful. So, how blind are we to the effects of sin?
In the beginning, Adam and Eve’s actions released a sin nature on human kind (Genesis 3:6, Romans 5:12), a curse of sin on the earth( Genesis 3:17, Romans 8:22) and gave dominion of the earth over to satan(1 John 5:19). Each had their consequences.
For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23b ESV)
Our sin nature causes us to disobey God, which doesn’t sound so scary. But when we serve an all-loving, perfect and just God, where does that leave us when we disobey Him? First John 5:17 says that all wrongdoing is sin. If this is true then there is no right path apart from God. That means the very thing I desire to do is destructive and will lead me to ruin and likely harm those around me.
The consequence of people acting out in sin can be seen all around us in the world today. Something seemingly small like worry not only results in thoughts that torment but can also cause unrest and fear in those around you. Arguments, neglect, harassment, vandalism, racism, and abuse are just a few more horrendous results of a disobedient heart. All of these examples started with a single thought or desire that satan presented as bait. A world full of people who chase a false promise only creates an environment of pain and suffering.
If it is not enough that we now have a sin nature, the earth was also affected by the fall. The curse of sin would change the reality of the world we live in. Spiritual and physical death, fear, shame, painful labor, strife in marriage, food scarcity, and strenuous work can all be seen in Genesis chapter three as a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Since physical decay, disease and illness are a part of the dying process we can throw that one in too. Romans 8:20 says the creation was subject to futility, meaning the heavens, earth, plants and animals all have been affected by sin and are not in their perfected state.
Sin, or the result of sin is so prevalent around us that we don’t even realize it’s there. It has become our normal. What spoke to me most about the story of Eve, is that all she did was eat fruit. The first murder was not committed until Cain came into the picture. I find it funny that the sin that caused mankind to fall was something so small. Something in our time would be considered no big deal. The boundary of sin does not stop at the ten commandments, it is anything contrary to the Lord’s direction.
For me, eating that streusel would have been a sin because God has asked me to eat whole foods and avoid gluten. I know, that is a bold statement. Luckily I came prepared that day with some oat energy balls in my lunch pack. We must prepare spiritually as well and carry the promise of the gift of life with us each day. Let Romans 5:17 be a meditation for your heart today, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
As we are sanctified, the Lord will allow scales to fall from our eyes. The sin that once attracted us will become distasteful. Our hearts will break at the damage it does. With the understanding of the depth of our sin, comes the knowledge of the depth of His grace and the name of Jesus will have all the more glory. May the Lord continue to change our hearts, so that they would reflect His.
Remember to prioritize firsthand Bible reading every day, only the Word has the power to transform. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
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