Text:
Genesis 3:4-7, 22-24
Memory Verse:
“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings” (Genesis 3:7).
Knowledge, they say, is power. However, it is not every knowledge that is positive or that produces good results. There is negative and destructive knowledge as seen from the experience of Adam and Eve. Among all the fruits of the trees in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were strictly forbidden from eating only one – that of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God, who is the author of all knowledge, knew the implication of their eating that fruit, hence the instruction not to eat it. Due to the lust of the eye, flesh and the pride of life (1 John 2:15) encapsulated in Genesis 3:6,“So when the
woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave her husband with her, and he ate.”, Adam and Eve yielded to Satan’s deceit. Truly, they gained knowledge such as, becoming aware of their nakedness, but it was bitter knowledge because it came with shame, guilt, and an attempt to cover up. Most of all, it resulted in their separation from God and a life of hardship. Was that knowledge, therefore, worth gaining?
Any knowledge acquired in disobedience to God’s instruction can only bring bitterness and destruction. There are things God would rather have you remain ignorant about for your good. Trust Him and heed His instructions. Do not disobey Him and end up in bitter regret.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, give me the grace to remain within Your defined parameters for my life.
2. May I never seek to gain restricted knowledge that will bring me bitter regret.
