The forest and the tree

Blessed is the man who endures temptation. – James 1:12

All of us have been so close to a temptation that we’ve lost our perspective. It may have involved something as small as a rumor that we knew shouldn’t be passed along, but the urge to gossip blocked out our sense of love and good judgment.

Adam and Eve faced a similar problem. They became so preoccupied with one plant in their garden paradise that they couldn’t see the forest for the tree.

Just look at what it cost them. The Garden of Eden had been created especially for them. In it they knew no evil, no trials, no sickness, no death. They enjoyed the company of the Creator Himself. Yet they gave up everything they had – just to eat the fruit of that one forbidden tree.

Their mistake still plagues us. How often do we miss the whole forest of God’s goodness for a single tree of testing? The moment of temptation seems so overwhelming, the idea so irresistible, our twisted logic so justifiable.

Think about all that Adam and Eve left behind in the Garden. Fill your mind with the truths of God’s Word and rely on the Holy Spirit’s moment-by-moment guidance and strength. Then you’ll experience the lasting joy of God’s blessing rather than temporary pleasure. – Mart De Haan

How To Handle Temptation

Seek God with your whole heart (Psalm 119:9-16).

Listen to wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-11).

Resist the devil; draw near to God (James 4:7-8).

READ: Genesis 3:17-24

Your response to temptation will make you or break you.

The Bible in one year:

• Judges 7-8

• Luke 5:1-16