In the beginning, God created. Everything he created was for a plan and purpose. Each one of his creations had a place and a position. It was perfect, working together in harmony, and peace.
Then, one day, temptation entered this paradise (called the Garden of Eden in the Bible). This temptation came in the form of a question, “Did God surely say…?” It came because two of God’s creations stood in a place they were not supposed to be standing, looking longingly at something they were told not to touch.
The Bible credits the woman for taking the initiative, while the man, in the background, looked on. Perhaps the woman was more curious than the man; this makes sense given that women tend to be more intuitive than their male counterpart.
Whatever the reason, something—that would later be known as a temptation—entered paradise, and it entered in the form of a question. What is important to understand is the nature of the question, “Did God surely say?” The intent of the question was to doubt God.
In other words, the intent of the question, not the question itself, was dangerous. The reason this is so important is the fact that this ploy—aimed at every human being—is the trick of the adversary, the devil. In the Old Testament story of Genesis, he is seen as a serpent. In the New Testament, Jesus says that he can be an angel of light. The intent of the visit, not the appearance, is what you must be on guard against.
In the case of Eve—the Old Testament female—the question resonated with the thoughts in her mind regarding the fruit she stood before—forbidden fruit, by command of God. This runs much deeper than a blog post. (Perhaps I have given myself another paper to write) The temptation was only a temptation because of the thoughts running through Eve’s mind. The thoughts running through her mind came as a result of standing where she should not have been, looking at something she should not be looking at.
The result of the ensuing actions—she and the man ate of the fruit God told them not to eat of—separated all of humanity from a close personal relationship with God. One act brought on by one question. It sounds too simple, and in fact, it probably is very complex. Who is to say how many times Eve stood in that very place, pondering the same thought?
This is why this story is so important to the Christ-follower’s walk with God today.
The Bible says that Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the garden. Their conversations with him were not the monologues of today’s conversation with God. Their eyes looked on God—quite probably the pre-incarnate Jesus—as they conversed with him. She (they) was able to look into his eyes, feel the compassion and care for her (them), and yet she (they) sinned.
The Christ-follower today can only imagine such a closeness. It is by faith, a belief that God is there, offering the same compassion, and care, that we stand. If Adam and Eve, with such advantages, fell into sin, what chances do we have?
The New Testament book of Hebrew says that the Christ-follower walks by faith, and not by sight. A close personal relationship with the godhead is built on believing, and trusting that God is God, and will do what he declares in the Bible he will do. It begins small, in the little things, like a butterfly lighting on your finger, or a sparrow singing you a song from a very close distance.
It then grows to a nearby parking space in a crowded parking lot, or a long string of green lights while in a hurry. Each of these incidences strengthens our resolve that God is God, and will do what he says he will do.
This relationship will continue to grow until deeper, weightier incidences take place. Perhaps you have a dream about someone and are able to offer them assistance. Perhaps you find yourself at the right place at the right time—not knowing why—to bring a much-needed word of encouragement to someone in need.
The possibilities are endless, but we cannot forget the temptation in the garden that began with a question. The Bible says in various places to guard your thoughts. Remember to be on guard for the intent of a question, not the question itself.
Do you suppose the outcome would have been different if Eve’s thoughts were different? Do you suppose the question would have be presented to her at all? Interesting thoughts, but I dare say that the answer is yes, humanity could still be living in paradise.