.png)
CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
When people gather and have long conversations, typically some life issues or concerns come up. We might hear: “My job is really tough just now,” “Toil and sorrow, all I do is work,” or perhaps, “It seems like there is so much conflict about spiritual issues.”
If you read Genesis chapter 3, you will discover information relating to the statements above. Because Adam and Eve failed to obey God’s command, sin entered their world and is now passed along to us.
Sin is a condition we’re born with, not mere deeds we do.
Sin separates us from God, just like it separated Adam and Eve in the Garden. Their actions brought about embarrassment and shame, creating that separation and leading them to hide.
And, if you read closely, the people never sought to find God. No, God looked for them.
He initiated contact. God called for them, asking where they are. Do you suppose He really didn’t know where they were?
I think God wanted Adam and Eve to know where they were — hiding, shameful and not looking for Him. They reluctantly responded.
The results of this conversation in Genesis changed life forever. Details that never existed before suddenly altered life.
Observations from this passage include people denying accountability and passing blame. New changes described how living creatures related to each other, and the punishment on snakes: their isolation from other animals, they were to be mostly feared and slither on the ground.
The 15th verse is interesting as it describes ongoing conflict and rebellion. This verse is also called “The First Evangel,” and is about the spiritual war between Satan and Jesus. Ultimately, Jesus will win, and the serpent’s head will be crushed.
Other life changes that began in Genesis chapter 3 include pain in childbirth, ground thorns making growth difficult, working “by the sweat of your brow” and death itself.
I doubt neither Adam nor Eve foresaw the great ripple effects of their disobedience. We too may be naive in our choices or feel justified by our anger or rebellion, yet there are always consequences.
But remember: God is still faithful.
He continues seeking us and helping us see clearly. He initiates contact, and I pray you will notice when He knocks on your heart’s door.
Open the door and say yes to Him.
Today, I pray that we will consider our choices. Until next week, Anita Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
