FOCUS
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Genesis 3:6-7 (NIV)
When God created man, He placed Adam in a garden called Eden, where God provided all kinds of trees with fruit that was pleasing to the eye and good for food (Genesis 2:9). God told Adam he could eat from any tree in the garden except for one tree—the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, because if Adam were to eat from it, then he would die (Genesis 2:16-17).
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was not only pleasing to the eye and good for food, but according to the serpent who spoke with Eve, the fruit of the forbidden tree would make her like God, able to distinguish between good and evil. Could it be that they thought the fruit of the forbidden tree could make them smarter?!
The thing Adam and Eve got right in this passage is they were together. Verse 6 tells us that Adam was with Eve when she ate the forbidden fruit. However, one thing that contributed to their downfall was their FOCUS. They were focused on the creation rather than the Creator. They were focused on what they could gain from the creation apart from God rather than on appreciating God for the creation.
All the trees in the garden were good for food and pleasing to the eye. It's okay to enjoy good food and appreciate the beauty of the earth. But when our focus turns to gaining wisdom apart from God and seeking to live without dependence on God, our perspective of what we see and want is distorted. If we try to satisfy ourselves with the things of this world apart from a relationship with God, we'll never get enough. Shame and frustration will be the results we find.
When we get together with our spouse or friends, we'll find more fulfillment when we focus on the Creator in appreciation of the creation rather than what the creation can give us. When we seek and depend on God to provide our ultimate satisfaction, then we'll see created things from a proper perspective and enjoy God's peace as a result.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)
APPLICATION: Get together with your spouse or a friend and share one characteristic you appreciate about God that is displayed in His creation.
PRAYER: Thank You, Father, for Your care of us and for providing what we need for life. Build our trust in You for guidance, wisdom, and anything else we need in this life.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?