Eve and that Garden Lie
| Did you ever wonder why Eve listened to the serpent in the first place? How could a perfect creation, who lived constantly in the presence of Love, believe a lie? If it was that easy to make her believe just the opposite of what God said – what hope do we have living thousands of years from perfection? What hope do we have with the father of lies bent on deceiving each one of us. What elements were present that set her up for the deception?
I was glancing through a book by the bestselling author David Lieberman and was shocked at how easy it is to make someone else believe something. The title of his book, How to Change Anybody – proven techniques to reshape anyone’s attitude, behavior, feelings or beliefs, caught my attention mainly because I don’t want anyone on this earth to have that power over me. I’d prefer to only allow God to shape and mold my attitude, behavior, feelings and beliefs. Of course it was presented with the idea in mind to help others change negative behaviors. But if that is possible is it also possible to influence others for evil? The obvious answer is yes, and the prime example is Eve. Lieberman basically says that the way to get someone else to believe something is to tell them what you want them to believe with conviction twice and then get them to repeat that fact to one other person. If I read my Bible right, this is exactly what the serpent did in the Garden. Many years ago Ron was speaking about this event and said. “Why did Eve believe the Lie? The answer is, because she wanted to.” I think that is why people believe a lot of things – because they want to. It is why infomercials work. Why advertisers make money. Probably why we do a lot of the things we do because we “believe” in some outcome. I want to be really sure I believe truth and the only way to do that is to stay close to Jesus and always test my beliefs against His Word. |
Aron Chilson said,
May 19, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Our hope is, that we don’t live thousands of years from perfection. We have a direct link to it any time we want. Through prayer, reading scripture and and the influence of the Holy Spirit. Christ promised us that He would live in us. If we would just open the door when He knocks. That is an awesome promise!!! Just the fact that He is knocking is awesome! When Christ died the curtain of separation was torn from top to bottom! And I can’t wait to meet Him face to face.
It’s kind of like Peter when He had the faith to get out of the boat. His victory was followed by a fall. Why? Because he took his eyes off Jesus.
Isn’t that the same reason Eve fell? Or even before that. Isn’t that why Satan fell? The mystery of pride, self seeking, motivation to push ourselves forward instead of uplifting the ones around us.
(I know that’s not exactly what you meant by “thousand of years from perfection”)
Its just the thought that jumped into my head when I read it.
We all need to remember at all times to Keep our eyes on Jesus!
He is our perfecter, our hope, our dream, our King!
And the last enemy He will defeat is death! I can hardly wait for the day that He restores everything!
Buffy Halvorsen said,
May 20, 2009 at 11:52 am
Thanks for those thoughts on “thousands of years from perfection”. You are right that wasn’t my intent, but I love where it took your mind. Thanks so much for who you are and how you are following God’s plan for your life. It is an honor to know you and an inspiration to hear your heart’s passion. We pray for you and your family often. I love the texts too.
Myrna said,
May 20, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Wonderful insight! Thanks. I’ll use that on me first: repeat it twice, and tell someone else about it:-))
How powerful is the Word of God though to mold our minds.