Lest We Think We Stand (Part 2)

Lest We Think We Stand (Part 1)
Lest We Think We Stand (Part 3)

Eve’s own words played a great role in her demise. She added to God's words, saying that they were not to touch the fruit (Genesis 3:3). This, however, was not the case. He had simply said, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Genesis 2:17) Hence, when Eve touched the fruit, feeling no adverse effect, the serpent used this against her, convincing her that eating it would be of no greater consequence.  She based her faith on very shaky ground, and sure enough, it crumbled beneath her.

Yet, to all appearances, we have not learned from this tragic lesson. Still we place our faith in mere mortals, exalting human words and works as the standard for our lives. We place far too much confidence in self, the very thing we should be most distrustful of. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) We must pray like David, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23, 24)

 
Then we continue to one of the saddest parts in this tragic history. Eve brings Adam the fruit. Unlike her, he is not deceived. He recognized this as the work of the enemy God had warned of. Now he must make his decision, a terrible struggle raging in his mind. Though he had enjoyed the companionship of God and angels, He lost sight of these blessings in comparison to his love for Eve. Adam loved gift more than Giver. In the crisis his true priorities,  who was most important to him, was revealed. (see Patriarch and Prophets p 56)

Our hearts are so deceitful. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12  Our course may, to all outward appearance, seem harmless, but we must beware. We cannot ignore the fact that the enemy uses those very things which are in and of themselves good to draw us away from the Source of all Life.

What do we automatically reach for when we have nothing else to do, when no one else is looking? Who has our hearts? Where do our thoughts constantly turn? The answers to these questions are vital in determining the direction of our lives, and, ultimately, our eternal destination.

Christ must have the heart. Our sweetest thoughts must be of Him (see Steps to Christ p 58). If this is not the case, don't despair! Pray. Plead. Wrestle. Never give up until this is true for you. The battle is not easy, but, praise God, Jesus has won the victory where human beings failed. In His strength we will overcome, if we only persevere. Keep coming to Him who will in no wise cast out.

 

“When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to tills end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easy-going, accommodating, crossless religion. But Jesus says, ‘if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’ ”

(1 SM 382 )

Our Lord is merciful, faithful. He knows our very inmost hearts, and He is just and fair in His judgements. But may we not be guilty of abusing that mercy, of deceiving our own souls.