Deacon Tangie Purvis

Genesis 3: 1-7

Forbidden Fruit 

Since the beginning of creation, God has allowed us to choose between good and evil. When we are told not to hang around certain people who are bad for us, so often we do it anyway. When we are told not to hang out in certain places because we may get hurt, those end up being our favorite places to go. When our parents told us not to do bad things, well, those are the very things that we couldn't wait to get into. Why do we do the very things that we know we should not do? The answer is because it is the sin within. For it is written and if it happened at the beginning of time what makes us think it is not going to happen now?

When Eve was in the garden, the serpent manipulated her into eating the forbidden fruit. The serpent lied to Eve and told her that she would not die if she ate the fruit. This is very similar to the lies of those who manipulate us every day when we are trying to avoid the wrong people, places and activities. Because we are forbidden to eat the fruit of that one tree, it is the very fruit we desire most. This tree brought delight to the eyes of Eve and was very desirable to the flesh. Not only did Eve eat from this fruit, but she gave some to her mate, also.

Be careful of those who bring you things that you should not have, for these are the things that may kill you, trap you, or destroy you.

Prayer 

God we come to You asking for the strength to say no to the things that You instructed us to avoid. For God we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. God forgive us and have mercy upon us. God we know that each day the delight and desires of this world are strong, but with You we can resist the devil. God give us strength to desire You more than we desire this world. Amen.

Thought for the day 

Lord, give us the strength to say no to forbidden fruit and say yes to You.