Good Or God? With John BevereSample

The Root of the Problem

Our generation is not the first to mistake what appears to be good for what is actually good. This problem goes back thousands of years to our origin in Eden.

When God created the first humans, Adam and Eve, He gave them a home in a beautiful garden. They were perfect companions designed to complement and complete each other. God charged them to keep the planet and, more specifically, the garden.

But before Eve was created, God gave Adam a single, clear directive. He commanded Adam not to eat from a certain tree in the garden, one whose fruit gave knowledge about good and evil. Adam shared this instruction with his wife, and for a time they heeded it.

We don’t know when the shift occurred. It could have been after weeks, years, decades, or even longer. But the day came when the enemy approached Eve in the form of a serpent and questioned God’s command. When he drew her attention to the forbidden tree, what did she see? Something good.

Eve’s thoughts began to go down a new road. Wait a minute. There’s good in that tree, and God’s forbidden it! We could have a better life. We could be happier. I thought our Creator was loving, but He’s hiding something good from us.

With every second these thoughts permeated her mind, Eve’s desire to eat the fruit grew. The longer she believed God was denying her something good, the more justified her longing seemed. Eventually, she reached out her hand, took the fruit, and ate. That act forever changed the course of human history.

Eve was undermined that day because her trust in God’s character was compromised. Note that this happened in a perfect environment. No one had ever abused, offended, or taken advantage of Eve. How much easier is it for us to lose sight of God’s goodness today, in a world of corruption and deceit?

Can you relate to Eve’s struggle? Circumstances may cause you to wonder if God has your best in mind, especially when He leads you away from something that seems good. Yet the psalmist declares the truth: God is good, and His love never fails.

Make Psalm 136:1 your anthem today. Whatever your circumstances, declare that God is good. Proclaim this truth until it becomes the unshakeable foundation of your faith.