Beyond Human Disobedience (Genesis 3)

Regardless of who or what is leading us astray, we must resist sin...

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Genesis 3 talks about human disobedience and God's judgment for sin. In this chapter, the serpent tempted the woman to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Out of curiosity and a desire for wisdom, the woman ate the fruit and also gave it to the man. Their disobedience shows how easily humans can give in to temptation, especially when driven by our own desires.

It is the first of some stories in the Bible conveying how God hates disobedience. As Christians, children and followers of Christ, we are all in God's hands. Just as He cursed the man and woman for their disobedience, we too will face consequences if our actions stray from what pleases Him. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us, "The Lord disciplines the one He loves." This means that God will correct us when we stray. 

"Di man ta perpekto pero maningkamot ug maningkamot ta sa paghimo kung unsa ang tama."

This is what my papa used to remind us. Indeed, none of us are righteous as the Bible says but, as Christians, we must also humbly do our very best to avoid what God has forbidden and seek His will in all things.

In Adam’s case, I learned the importance of standing firm against temptation, even when those closest to us, or those we look up to, encourage us to sin through their words, attitudes, or actions—because they, too, are not perfect. It is essential to remember that regardless of who or what is leading us astray, we must resist sin. Rejections? Worries? Heartaches? As long as something doesn't please the Lord, resist.

Resist when rejections encourage you to sin.

Resist when worries encourage you to sin.

Resist when heartaches encourage you to sin.

Resist when everything encourages you to sin.

The passage teaches that we, as humans, are prone to temptation because we can be totally blinded by our own desires and, in the process, lose sight of God's voice in our lives. This is something we must actively guard against and avoid. Thus, maintaining constant communication with the Lord in prayer is indeed crucial, as we can't do anything without Him. In every situation or decision we make, we should surrender our thoughts and actions to God, knowing that He is the source of true knowledge and wisdom. He sees and knows everything.

By God’s strength, we can be brave and fight for our faith. Pray and read the Bible everyday. We must always keep God's words in our hearts and seek His guidance, for we cannot overcome temptation on our own, especially when our flesh desires to sin. Additionally, this chapter demonstrates that disobedience or sin itself distances us from God. Adam and Eve’s closer relationship with God ended, sending them out of the garden. See? Sometimes, it is our own actions that cause God to let us experience struggles no one would ever want to face. It's not just all about trials, trials, trials. We must examine ourselves too. When we sin, shame can cause us to hide from God, putting more distance between us and Him.

Don't forget to read your Bible and pray everyday!

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