Adam and Eve's Discontentment
Genesis 3:1-7
There are many who have less than us, yet we often focus on those who have more.
Adam and Eve lived the life we all wish we had-no sickness, no disease, no danger, no worries. They lived in harmony with nature and enjoyed the company of each other and of God. They explored the Garden, were provided scrumptious food, and counted all animals as friends. For centuries men have been trying to change the world into what it once was-an oasis of peace.
There stood but one rule in the Garden of Eden-do not eat of one particular tree. Obey that rule and everything would be fine. Yet one day all that changed. As Eve was walking about the Garden, the snake approached her and began speaking with her. As we know, the serpent was overtaken by the devil who wished to trick Eve into sinning against God. As he subtly convinced Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, she ignored all the freedoms, blessings, and privileges she enjoyed in the Garden and focused on the one thing she didn't have (permission to eat of that tree). She became discontent with what she had and decided to follow the devil's advice by taking of the fruit.
How could Eve be so blind? How many times have you wondered what possessed Eve to ignore the wonderful Garden around her and take of that tree? Surely she could have overlooked the one tree she couldn't eat from and find another to enjoy. Yet she lost her place in the Garden and future blessings because she became discontent with what she had.
Many Christians are in the same place as Eve. They're surrounded by blessings, privileges, and abundance; yet they focus on the things they don't have and ignore God's blessings. Have you ever seen something and wondered why God hasn't given it to you? Perhaps it's a better job, a nicer house, the ability to travel, an obedient child, excessive money, or a position of influence. Soon you're living in discontentment by overlooking the blessing of a home, a loving family, the freedom of religion, the ability to worship God openly, and the many other blessing God's given you.
If we were all to be honest, we'd have to admit that we lead comfortable lives. While others have less than us, we often focus on those who have more. Realize the dangers of becoming discontent from the story of Adam and Eve. They lost everything they enjoyed and had to face overwhelming difficulties because of discontentment. Just as easily as God gave you blessings, He can take them away. Rather than focusing on the "stuff' He has given you, thank Him for giving you salvation and an open door to talk with Him.
Take time right now to repent of discontentment and thank God for what He's given you. We are all blessed beyond what we deserve. For that, God deserves our thanksgiving and praise.
Daily Bible Reading
Jeremiah 27-29 | Titus 3
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