Only Knowing What is Good

Genesis 3:5, "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

Genesis 3:7, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew..."

Adam and Eve got what they wanted: an intimate knowledge of both good and evil. However, that was not what God intended for them, which is the reason He originally commanded them not to eat of the fruit of that fateful tree. When they disobeyed God, the experience of good and evil accompanied the knowledge. Thus, the serpent had persuaded Eve to take a bite based on a half-truth, and the results were disastrous.

God knows that the knowledge of evil is not necessary for a Christian's life. If we get to know God's Truth thoroughly, we will recognize evil at a glance. We do not have to study evil in order to understand it. Romans 16:19 teaches the point and the benefits of it very well, "But I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly."

The "real world" that we live in is the domain of the Father of Lies. Our children are exposed to things in our culture that tempt them to be swayed from the Truth according to God's Word. Although the following "Lie" may seem logical at first glance, when we take it through the process that we have learned, we begin to see the folly in it.

The Lie: Children Need To Get Exposed To The 'Real World' So That They Can Learn To Function In It.

The Process:

Realize...Satan's original tempation appealed to Eve's desire of wanting to have the knowledge of good and evil.

Reflect...In what areas must your children tolerate some evil in order learn good?

Respond...Make sure your household library contains entertainment and education that is edifying to the spirit.

Our challenge, then, as Christian women is to not allow ourselves or our children to be molded by the culture of the world. I would caution you at this point not to look around and compare yourself with others. Instead, go to the Lord and ask Him what He would have you do. You will be blessed as you endeavor to walk in the Spirit and to keep yourself unspotted from the world. (See James 1:27.)

I think that this Bible Study has changed some ways I have thought in the past. I am praying for each of you and asking the Lord to show you how He has revealed truth and brought freedom to you, that you might thank Him and praise Him for progress.

Love, Karen