Eve

Just in case you didn’t already know, talking to a serpent is a bad idea.  The story of Adam & Eve confirms that.

There’s something else we see in those first few chapters of Genesis, specifically when it comes to Eve: the power of influence.

In Genesis 3, the passage reveals how easily Eve was influenced by the serpent.  Initially, it seemed she understood God’s instructions – don’t mess with the tree. Unfortunately, the more they talked, the further away Eve wandered from what God said. Soon enough, the enemy had her right where he wanted her.

We can’t be too hard on Eve.  Aren’t we pretty quickly influenced ourselves? Something someone said, something someone didn’t say, a look, our emotions…that’s all it takes. 

As easily as she was influenced, notice how effortlessly she was able to be an influence. She simply handed the fruit to Adam and humanity was changed forever. From what we see in scripture, he is actually the one who heard directly from God about this.  So, ultimately Adam chose his wife’s voice over the voice of God.

Your influence as a woman is powerful.  We see examples of this in scripture time and time again…for bad and for good.

Abram followed Sarai’s advice instead of trusting God’s timing.  Jacob deceived his own father because of the words of his mother, Rebekah.

King Ahasuerus listened to Esther and the Jews were spared.  Deborah accompanied Barak and a battle was won.

Unfortunately, Eve’s legacy is captured as the “woman who was deceived and sin was the result”.  

What influences us?  The voice of the enemy or the voice of truth?  Our own misguided feelings or the promises in God’s Word?  We must determine to guard our hearts and minds against negative influences.

What kind of influence are we?  We are called to let our light shine.  We are instructed to motivate others toward “acts of love and good works.”  The influence of Eve led to the fall of man.  Our influence can lead men and women back to our Creator, who saved us from the enemy once and for all.  

~Anu