Defining Moment

Defining Moment

Eve

Read: Genesis 2:16-17; 3:4

In Eve’s innocence, she didn’t know that her conversation with the serpent was a decisive turning point in her life. Either Adam or God had told Eve about the commandment against eating fruit from the tree in the middle of the Garden. She had no reason to question God’s word or his intentions, having known only her Creator’s kindness and concern for her well-being. However, the serpent sounded wise too. The fruit on the beautiful tree looked delicious; how could it be harmful? What could be wrong about gaining more wisdom? As Eve decided whose advice she would follow, the fate of the world hung in the balance.

Similar scenes play out in countless lives every day. A teenager taught to abstain from premarital sex hears from his health teacher that it’s perfectly natural and safe, as long as he uses protection. A college student has to listen as her professor daily promotes “the enlightened path to spirituality” while ridiculing the “old-fashioned” beliefs of Christianity. A woman struggles to hold her marriage and family together as her coworkers pressure her to consider her own needs first.

We all have defining moments in our lives when we have choices to make. Will we base our actions on the unchanging Word of God, or will we listen to other sources that sound reasonable or wise? Our decisions will determine the direction of our lives to some degree, and sometimes of the lives of others. It may not be a life-or-death situation, but the outcome can affect our health, a relationship, or our character. Whenever we have to choose between listening to God or some other voice, something precious hangs in the balance.

Whose voice will you listen to today?