God told Adam very specifically not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15 – 17).  If He did not want Adam to partake of it, why put it there in the first place?  That’s a good question that deserves an answer.

When Obedience Shines Brightest

Part of man’s being made in the image of God is having the ability to make choices and decide on a course of action.  This is vital in the out-working of God’s Kingdom agenda in the earth.  Man would have to come under the reign of God through voluntary obedience.  Obedience is an act of faith resulting from believing God’s directives are always good and right.  Because obedience always shines brightest in the presence of an alternative, there had to be another option.  If there were no other choices, Adam’s obedient participation in God’s plan would have meant very little.  Therefore the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was placed in the garden along with the tree of life.  Of course we know the unfortunate outcome.

We Face the Same Choice

Every day we live and breathe we basically face the same choice Adam did.  Will we voluntarily seek the reign of God and His righteousness, or will we seek to live life on our own terms?  To come under God’s reign and walk in the Spirit will result in life and peace (Romans 8:6).  To walk independent of the Lord, following our own fleshly desires, results in death.  This is the choice we face every day, many times a day.

Which Will You Choose?

Which way will you choose today, the flesh or the Spirit?  The Lord leaves the ball in your court.  Those who obey Him by faith will experience what it truly means to live in the Reign.

MD