“The serpent… said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden”?‘ And the woman said, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees.., but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.“‘ But the serpent said, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.‘ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and a delight to the eyes, and to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she gave some to her husband.., and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden… and hid themselves from [his] presence among the trees. But the Lord God called to the man.., ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid.‘” He said.., ‘Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?‘ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.‘ Then the Lord God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’” Genesis 3:1-13
God had created a magnificent Eden for Adam and Eve, and fashioned their senses to be able to enjoy it in every way. From color to texture to shape, from scent to taste to sound, their garden was a delightful, satisfying home. Until it wasn’t. Until the crafty deceiver cast doubt on God’s goodness and truth. His wily lies tangled Eve’s senses to lose their sensibility. Her questioning led to doubting led to disobeying the Lord God who’d provided her with all she needed. The eternal consequences serve as warning even as they made way for the only avenue to avoid them. (Genesis 3:14-24)
We love our senses and the pleasure they bring. We relish delights of the flesh, indulging in extravaganzas of food, frolic, song, beauty, affection. God fitted humanity with capacity to interact with all aspects of His creation and be fulfilled. But in enjoying worldly enticements, we’re often tempted to upend God’s order and yield to foreign influences that distort pure loves. Ignoring or eschewing consequences, we bite at immediate (vapid) gratification. Untamed senses lead to shame and blame only Jesus can remedy. (Ephesians 1:7)
Where do we intentionally or lazily indulge our flesh? What senses tend to trip us up the most? What entertainment or conversations open the way for corrupting what the Lord’s intended for good? Recognizing areas and situations of weakness, and setting firm direction and boundaries ahead of temptation, help keep senses in check.
What truths and standards of conduct have established a daily mindset and choices? What accountability with a spouse or friend do we maintain? How can we hone our sensibilities?
Lord, help me exercise every sense You’ve given to enjoy and bless Your creation, and so magnify Your excellencies.
As the rain and snow 