Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”? (Gen. 3:1)
I can remember plain as day the first time someone commented about my weight. It was not malice, just a comparison to another family member. My legs were just like so-and-so. They moved on to another conversation, and I disappeared into the cushions, as my mind started to sneer. In an instant I forgot everything I knew: that my parents called me beautiful; that my worth wasn’t wrapped up in my looks. I forgot who I was, because that whispering voice started to persuade me of something different than all that had been said before. It was an apple seed of doubt that took root and plagued me for decades.
God created Adam and Eve for loving relationship with him in the beautiful garden he had made. His clear command was kindness because he knew that eating of the tree would lead them toward death. But the Deceiver spewed doubt with just one question. He placed a trick mirror in their faces and questioned God’s motive, so they forgot all that they knew.
Consistent relationship-building with the Lord helps us to remain grounded in what is true. Lies can come as whispers and take root, unless we take them captive and replace them with the truth that we know. The more we hide away the truth, the better able we are to distinguish deception.
Abiding in the truth of God’s Word will protect you from darts of deception.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a wife, mother, entrepreneur, worship pastor, and advocate for the wholeness and restoration God generously gives.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
