The devil works in marketing
The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made. He spoke to the Woman: “Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?” The Woman said to the serpent, “Not at all. We can eat from the trees in the garden. It’s only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘Don’t eat from it; don’t even touch it or you’ll die.’” The serpent told the Woman, “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil.” Genesis 3 : 1 - 5 (MSG) |
Ever since the beginning of time God has given us the freedom to make our own decisions. As we see in this week's passage this started with one simple rule. All that Adam and Eve were told to do by God was not eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden.
Apart from this they were pretty much free to do as they pleased. They were living in paradise, with all of the food and drink that they could ever want. God had provided them with everything they could ever need. This part is pretty significant, as this means that their decision to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree isn't out of necessity, but pure choice.
So in this case why is this particular fruit so attractive? Well it isn't really the fruit itself that holds the appeal. Rather it is what the fruit represents. Firstly the fruit was forbidden. Secondly there was the marketing pitch given by the serpent making wondrous claims about the fruit from this special tree.
The serpent (or the devil) is clearly demonstrating his marketing prowess. He has made something that has been clearly banned by God not only seem appealing, but also feel essential. Who wouldn't want to know everything? Knowledge is a good thing... right?
The problem is that this is totally at odds with God's plan, and as we will discover next week the start of a whole world of unexpected pain, which just so happened to be missed from the serpents pitch!
The devil likes to wave forbidden fruit in front of us all. Things that we know are wrong but seem attractive anyway. Whatever it might be don't get sucked in! It is just slick marketing from the devil leading you to a life far away from where God wants you to be. One thing is for certain, you won't like it when you get there!
Have a great week, and steer clear of that fruit!
This week's song is Follow your heart by Anthem Lights. |
Header image by: rotten969 via FreeImages